Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Kao said Friday that relations between Taiwan and the Vatican remain strong.
Kao was responding to a report in the Hong Kong-based newspaper Apple Daily saying that the Vatican is close to establishing formal relations with China. The report said that the Vatican and China began high-level talks on establishing diplomatic relations in June.
Since China refuses to establish diplomatic relations with countries that recognize Taiwan, this would mean that the Vatican would break off relations with Taiwan.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Kao said the foreign ministry is aware of the report and will monitor any developments in the Vatican’s stance towards China. She said that Taiwan and the Vatican continue to enjoy a close relationship based on shared values and the belief in religious freedom.