Taiwan President Ma to visit Vatican, Beijing grumbles
The Vatican, which recognises Taipei rather than Beijing as the legitimate representative of China, says it would welcome Ma joining other foreign dignitaries
Taiwan’s leader plans to visit the Vatican for the new pope’s inauguration mass, officials said on Friday, prompting Beijing to warn Taipei against doing anything to inflame their delicate relationship.
In light of the planned trip by Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou for next Tuesday’s mass, Beijing also renewed its demands for concessions from the Vatican in their long-running battle for supremacy over China’s Catholics.
But the Vatican – which recognises Taipei rather than Beijing as the legitimate representative of China – said it would welcome Ma joining other foreign dignitaries who will attend the installation of Pope Francis.
Taiwan’s Vice Foreign Minister Vanessa Shih said: “After the new pope was elected, the foreign ministry initiated a plan for the president to visit the Vatican.
“This is in line with the diplomatic status of the two sides,” she told reporters, adding that Ma was scheduled to leave on a special flight late on Sunday and return home after the mass, without visiting anywhere else in Europe.
The Vatican’s embassy in Taiwan said that Ma would be given full pomp and ceremony.