Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim spoke at a European freedom and democracy forum in Italy, and Italian lawmakers across several parties publicly sided with Taiwan after Beijing formally objected — a diplomatic win for Taipei and a setback for China.

• Hsiao spoke on Ventotene, an Italian island known for its anti-authoritarian history, joined by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
• China's foreign ministry said it lodged formal complaints with both Italy and the EU over her attendance.
• Italian politicians from four parties pushed back, calling the protest unacceptable and absurd, and said talking to Taiwan is Italy's own choice, not something to ask Beijing for.
• Senate Deputy Speaker Gian Marco Centinaio said hosting Taiwanese officials is an honor and reaffirmed Italy's support for keeping the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
• Hsiao pointed to Ukraine as a warning, saying Taiwan is building up defense, its role in tech supply chains, and foreign partnerships while refusing to provoke or back down.

Outlook: Expect more Chinese diplomatic pressure on European capitals as Taiwanese officials keep showing up at high-profile events in Europe.