Relations between Taiwan and the Vatican remain firm and solid, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said yesterday.
Chen Lien-chun (陳連軍), deputy director of the ministry's European Affairs Department, told a news conference that although the Holy See would like to forge dialogue with China, it can't accept Beijing's conditions.
"As a result, Vatican-Beijing relations are not expected to see any major breakthrough in the near future," Chen said, adding that in contrast to the deadlock in Vatican-Beijing ties, relations between Taipei and the Vatican are steady and cordial.
Beijing has proposed three conditions for engagement with the Holy See -- it must cut its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Pope John Paul II must apologize for the death of 100-plus Chinese Catholics in the Boxer Uprising and the Vatican must promise not to interfere with China's religious administration.
Meanwhile, Chen said, Taiwan has consistently attached great importance to its relations with the Vatican -- its sole diplomatic ally in Europe.
Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of ROC-Vatican diplomatic ties, Chen said the Vatican, the ROC Embassy in the Holy See, the ministry and Fu Jen Catholic University have organized several events to mark the occasion.
The university published a collection of historical documents regarding Taiwan-Vatican relations last month and will sponsor a seminar on Taiwan-Vatican ties in December. The ministry has cooperated with the Directorate General of Post in issuing a set of memorial postage stamps.
Chen also said that the EU will set up a representative office in Taipei either at the end of this year or early next year and the ministry is assisting EU officials in selecting a suitable location.
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