Taiwan scored a small but real diplomatic win in Europe, and Beijing will not like it.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim spoke at a freedom and democracy forum on the Italian island of Ventotene, co-hosted by the European Parliament.
• European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, who invited her, said Europe must always stand firmly on the side of freedom and democracy.
• President Lai Ching-te thanked Picierno publicly and framed the trip as Taiwan defending democracy against authoritarian rule.
• This was Hsiao's second trip to Europe in under a year, after a summit of lawmakers known for taking a hard line on Beijing.
• Picierno called the visit a step forward in democracies working together against authoritarian governments.

Outlook: Expect more European invitations for senior Taiwanese officials, and sharper protests from China each time.