Ventotene: Taiwan has the same right as others to make friends and work with like-minded partners despite Beijing's efforts to restrict its international presence, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said on Friday. "We believe strongly that like every citizen in the world, we have the right to make friends. We have the right to talk to our friends," Hsiao stated at the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy on the Italian island of Ventotene.According to Focus Taiwan, Hsiao emphasized Taiwan's right to collaborate with partners on common challenges and highlighted the importance of international engagement. Her presence at the conference was unannounced until her arrival in Italy to prevent interference from Beijing. This marks Hsiao's second European visit since taking office, following her 2025 visit to Brussels for an Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China meeting.European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, a key organizer of the conference, noted the confidentiality surrounding Hsiao's visit to ensure her participation. Picierno affirmed that the European Parliament's agenda, particularly her own, would not be dictated by Beijing. She accepted Hsiao's invitation to visit Taiwan, with plans underway for the trip.Italian politicians, including Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio, criticized China's protest over Hsiao's visit, describing it as unacceptable. Fabrizio Benzoni of the Action party and Tiziana Nisini from the League party echoed sentiments against yielding to Beijing's intimidation, asserting the right of democratically elected leaders to engage internationally.In a written statement to CNA, European Parliament lawmaker Engin Eroglu noted Hsiao's visit as indicative of Europe's growing recognition of Taiwan as a partner. He remarked on the institutionalization of high-level exchanges between Europe and Taiwan in recent years.During her address, Hsiao cited the situation in Ukraine as a caution for Taiwan to bolster its defenses, maintain its role in global tech nology supply chains, and enhance international partnerships. She asserted Taiwan's commitment to peace and its democratic way of life, despite Chinese coercion.Hsiao, recalling her nickname "cat warrior," likened Taiwan to a small but mighty force, capable of overcoming challenges. "We in Taiwan believe we are small, but we're also mighty," she concluded.