Taiwan's President Lai Hing--te is actively seeking to attend Pope Francis's funeral, which is not only a religious diplomatic occasion but also potentially provides a rare opportunity for Lai to appear alongside other world leaders. However, China has already labeled Lai as a "separatist," and the sensitive relationship between the Vatican and China makes this potential visit politically charged.
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Togglep has announced through his platform Truth Social that he will attend the funeral funeral. If Lai is invited, it would create a significant record of two heads of state appearing together. Although based on past experience, their interaction probability is low, the the symbolic significance is substantial.
Taiwan Presidents Have Attended Before, Angering China
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- 2013013Ma's inauguration ceremony li 2Chen attended Pope John funeral Paul
Former Vatican Ambassador Du Tzu-chien that Vatican tends to send low-ranking representatives, but Taiwan insisted on presidential attendance, ultimately causing China to refuse participation, highlighting the Vatican's dilemma of "choosing sides"sides".
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China is willing to improve relations with the Vatican but provided no specific details about attending p>>Although the Vatican and China broke diplomatic relations in 1951, they signed a temporary agreement in 2018 to consult on Chinese bishop appointments. The agreement was extended to 2027 but has not upgraded to formal diplomatic relations.
2>Vatican-China Relations Sensitive, Religious freedom Freedom Suppressed by CCPDespite Chinese maintaining communication, Communist highly vigilant about religious activities. religious Since Xi Jinping took office,, religious freedom suppression considered the most severe since 1982 when religious freedom was written into the constitution.
In this context, if the Vatican agrees to to attend the funeral as president, it will inevitably provoke Beijing's backlash and put diplomatic pressure.
A Religious Funeral That Could Potentially Affect the Delicate Balance Between the Two Sides of the Taiwan Strait and the Vatican
If Lai Ching-te's trip is successful, it will be a highly symbolic international exposure. However, it will also place the Vatican in a difficult position between Taiwan and China. If Taiwan can take this opportunity to appear alongside international leaders such as the U.S. President, it will undoubtedly enhance its diplomatic visibility and strategic value.
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