Taiwan's vice president wrapped up a rare trip to Europe with a message of defiance, a small diplomatic win for Taipei and an irritant for Beijing.

• Hsiao Bi-khim returned home after speaking at a freedom and democracy forum on the Italian island of Ventotene.
• The trip was kept secret until she arrived, to avoid pressure or disruption along the way.
• She said Taiwan faces rising military and "gray zone" pressure but will stick with its democratic way of life.
• The invitation came from a European Parliament vice president, giving the visit unusual political weight for a government most of Europe does not formally recognize.
• She tied Taiwan's path out of authoritarian rule to Europe's own postwar rebuilding, arguing both were won by people rather than handed down.

Outlook: Expect Beijing to protest the trip, and expect Taipei to keep pushing for more informal contacts with European governments.