Taiwan's leadership is pushing harder for international recognition after a rare high-level trip to Europe, a positive signal for Taipei but one likely to irritate Beijing.

• President Lai Ching-te welcomed Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim home after she led a delegation to a European freedom and democracy forum in Italy.
• Lai said going out into the world and making friends is a right Taiwanese people cannot be stripped of, and Taiwan will keep seeking chances to be seen.
• The forum was held on Ventotene, an island once used to jail opponents of fascism and later tied to ideas about uniting postwar Europe.
• Hsiao used the platform to describe Taiwan's path to democracy and its refusal to back down under pressure from an authoritarian neighbor.
• The invitation came from a European Parliament vice president, a sign Taiwan is finding openings through friendly lawmakers rather than formal diplomacy.

Outlook: Taiwan will keep chasing these semi-official European appearances, and each one raises the odds of a sharp response from China.