Taiwan scored a small but real diplomatic win in Europe, a positive sign for Taipei and an irritant for Beijing.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim flew home from Italy after speaking at a European freedom and democracy forum on the island of Ventotene.
• European Parliament vice-president Pina Picierno, who invited her, praised the visit publicly and posted Taiwan's flag alongside the EU flag.
• She framed the meeting as democracies stepping up joint resistance to authoritarian pressure, saying unity makes them stronger.
• President Lai Ching-te welcomed Hsiao back and thanked Picierno, casting the trip as proof Taiwan stands with Europe's democracies.
• Public use of Taiwan's flag by a senior EU lawmaker is the kind of gesture China treats as a red line.

Outlook: Expect protests from Beijing and more low-key but steady contacts between Taipei and European lawmakers.