Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) will reportedly share the stage with Czech President Petr Pavel at a security conference, the 2023 European Values Summit, next week. That’s according to a Reuters report published on Wednesday, citing four sources close to the matter.
The report claims Wu will make the unannounced trip to Europe next week. Two of the sources say Wu is expected to visit Brussels, the headquarters of the European Union (EU), but declined to give further details. Two additional sources say the trip will include a visit to Prague.
One source says Wu is expected to speak at the security conference immediately after Pavel gives his opening remarks. The source adds that European leaders usually do not share the stage with senior Taiwanese officials, making the move highly unusual.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the matter. Pavel’s office also did not respond to calls seeking comments.
The European External Action Service, the EU's foreign affairs arm, declined to comment on Wu’s Brussels visit. It says it is not responsible for third parties’ visits and activities. China’s Foreign Ministry also did not respond to a request for comment.