Beijing's Democracy Double Standard Exposed in EU Forum Visit The recent visit of Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi khim and Foreign Minister Lin Chia lung to the EU democracy forum in Italy has sent shockwaves through Beijing.
The Chinese government's reaction – lodging "solemn representations" with Italy and the EU over the Taiwanese officials' attendance – has unwittingly exposed its own hypocrisy on democratic values.
Beijing has long been vocal about its opposition to any official interactions between Taiwan and nations that have diplomatic ties with China. However, it fails to acknowledge the double standard at play here.