Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/08/28
By: Sophia Yeh and Evelyn Kao
Taipei, Aug. 28 (CNA) Taiwan should look at possible dialogue between China and the Vatican in a
Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung (CNA file photo)
positive light and this is not a zero-sum game in which either Taiwan or China must lose its friendship with the Holy See, Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) said Sunday.
Wu made the comment following media reports that the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said Saturday that the Vatican is hopeful it can improve ties with China after decades of tension.
Beijing severed links with the Vatican in 1951 shortly after the Communist Party took power and launched a crackdown on organized religion but Pope Francis is pushing to improve relations after decades of mistrust, according to media reports.
When asked whether Taiwan’s diplomatic ties with the Vatican will be affected if China improves relations with the Holy See, Wu told local media reporters after attending a seminar that relations between the Holy See and Taiwan are solid due to their shared belief in the fundamental rights of religious freedom and democracy. [FULL STORY]
