The foreign ministry says Taiwan has maintained close and friendly ties with the Vatican. The foreign ministry made the announcement Friday amid rumors that its only European ally might consider switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
According to Hong Kong media, Cardinal John Tong of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong has published an article on the Sino-Vatican dialogue in a newspaper owned by the diocese. In the article, he said China “is now willing” to reach an agreement with the Holy See regarding the appointment on bishops. Cardinal Tong also said he is supportive of the agreement to be reached before the establishment of the formal diplomatic ties.
The foreign ministry said Taiwan and the Vatican have had cooperation in humanitarian assistance and will continue to do so in the future.
The foreign ministry said it will continue strengthening ties with the Holy See and is closely monitoring its interactions with China.