Taiwan is quietly building a stronger relationship with Italy, a win for Taipei's push to break out of China's diplomatic isolation.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attended a European freedom and democracy forum on the Italian island of Ventotene this week.
• Former President Tsai Ing-wen also traveled to Rome in June for a global women's leaders summit and met Italian lawmakers.
• Italy's deputy senate speaker recently led a delegation to Taipei and met President Lai Ching-te.
• Italy was the only G7 country in China's Belt and Road plan, but Meloni's government pulled out at the end of 2023 and has leaned toward the US and Europe since.
• Lin has visited repeatedly as foreign minister, opening a renovated Taiwan office in Rome and leading a trade mission to Milan in June.

Outlook: Expect more high-level Taiwanese visits to Italy and louder protests from Beijing.