Taiwan is pushing back after Beijing objected to Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's trip to Italy, framing her travel as proof the island's leaders can move freely on the world stage.

• Premier Cho Jung-tai called the trip a success and said no other country has the right to block Taiwan's leaders from traveling abroad.
• Hsiao spoke at a freedom and democracy forum on the Italian island of Ventotene, invited by European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno.
• Cho tied the visit to security along the first island chain, noting frequent Chinese military drills near Taiwan alongside growing cooperation among democracies.
• He dismissed China's new entry rules as an internal matter with no legal force over Taiwan.
• On the domestic side, Cho promoted a monthly child allowance and a planned cash handout next year funded by AI-driven growth rather than new borrowing.

Outlook: Expect more friction as Taiwan keeps sending senior officials abroad and Beijing keeps protesting each trip.