Focus Taiwan
Date: 07/18/2020
By: Chen Yun-yu and Emerson Lim

Taipei, July 18 (CNA) Taiwan's relations with the Vatican are unlikely to be affected by upcoming negotiations between the ecclesiastical state and Beijing regarding an expiring bishop appointment agreement, according to new Taipei Archbishop Chung An-chu (鍾安住).

Chung made the remarks during a media interview Saturday before assuming pastoral leadership of Taipei archdiocese, which encompasses Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City and Yilan County.

The Vatican, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Europe, signed a provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops with China in 2018, which expires in September.

As the Holy See is expected to negotiate for the renewal or further advancement of the agreement with Beijing, observers have expressed concerns Taiwan-Vatican relations could be affected.    [FULL  STORY]