Taiwan scored a diplomatic win by getting its vice president onto a European stage despite Beijing's objections, a positive sign for Taipei's international standing.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim traveled to Italy for a democracy and freedom conference on the island of Ventotene.
• A European Parliament vice president said Beijing has no right to interfere with the invitation.
• Taiwan's ruling party framed the trip as proof the country will not stay home just because it has a hostile neighbor.
• The venue carries symbolic weight — Ventotene once held prisoners who fought fascism.
• Nobel Peace Prize winner and Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk was also invited, placing Taiwan alongside high-profile defenders of democracy.

Outlook: Expect more pressure from Beijing over such trips, and more Western invitations anyway.