Taiwan's vice president is back in Europe for a democracy conference, and Brussels is being careful not to say much about it — a mild win for Taipei, and a sign the EU still won't provoke Beijing.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim traveled to Italy for a European freedom and democracy conference.
• The EU refused to comment on her schedule or her meetings with European lawmakers.
• Brussels repeated that it sticks fully to its "one China" policy, but still wants contact with Taiwan where it serves EU interests.
• This is her second trip to Europe in under a year; last November she became the first sitting Taiwanese vice president to appear at the European Parliament.

Outlook: Expect more quiet, low-key Taiwan visits to Europe, with the EU keeping its distance in public and China likely to protest.