Taiwan scored a diplomatic win by speaking at a European democracy forum over Beijing's objections, a setback for China's effort to isolate the island.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim returned to Taiwan after addressing a freedom and democracy conference on the Italian island of Ventotene.
• She was invited by a European Parliament vice president, following her appearance in Brussels last year at a gathering of China-critical lawmakers.
• Taiwan's ruling party said Beijing does not get to decide which democracies talk to each other, or how much international space Taiwan has.
• European political leaders are not accepting China's red lines and keep opening doors Beijing wants shut.
• The argument from Taipei is that Taiwan is invited because it has useful experience to share, not to provoke anyone.

Outlook: Expect more Taiwanese outreach to European partners and more Chinese pressure in response.