TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) has begun preparations for the upcoming papal inauguration ceremony scheduled for later this year. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) stated Thursday (May 8) that while his ministry stands ready to provide comprehensive logistical support, the decision regarding President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) personal attendance remains with the Presidential Office.
The matter emerged during deliberations at the Legislative Yuan's (Taiwan's parliament) Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, where lawmakers from both the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's center-left governing party, and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), the island's main conservative party, raised questions about the diplomatic implications of President Lai's potential attendance at the Vatican ceremony.
DPP Legislator Chen Chun-yu (陳俊宇) referenced Taiwan's recent diplomatic representation at Pope Francis' funeral in April, when former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) attended on behalf of the island democracy. The lawmaker specifically questioned whether Beijing had exerted diplomatic pressure on Taiwan regarding the upcoming papal inauguration, highlighting the complex geopolitical considerations surrounding Taiwan's international participation.
In response to the committee's inquiries, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen suggested that any diplomatic pressure would primarily target the Vatican rather than Taiwan directly. Chen expressed confidence that the Holy See would honor its longstanding diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, one of just 12 nations that formally recognize the island instead of Beijing. KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯) raised concerns that President Lai's potential absence could spark speculation about Taiwan's diplomatic standing.
The deputy foreign minister reaffirmed MOFA's readiness to arrange all necessary diplomatic and logistical elements for a potential presidential visit while deferring to President Lai's judgment on attendance. Opposition legislator Hsu emphasized the Vatican's unique status as Taiwan's only formal diplomatic ally in Europe, suggesting that presidential participation would demonstrate Taiwan's dedication to maintaining its increasingly limited formal international relationships amid persistent pressure from Beijing. ★