Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the island supports the Vatican's efforts to communicate with China and hopes that this will improve the "deteriorating" religious freedom and human rights. This statement followed Pope Francis sending a telegram to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Vatican is one of only 13 countries that have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory. Taiwan is closely monitoring Pope Francis's efforts to improve relations with Beijing.
Pope Francis sent a telegram to Xi while his plane was flying over China on his way to Mongolia yesterday, expressing good wishes for the entire Chinese populace and assuring the president that he is praying for the "well-being of the nation." The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the Pope's blessings reflect friendship and goodwill, suggesting that China and the Vatican have been in communication over the past few years. The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement late yesterday, affirming that the island fully respects religious freedom and supports the Vatican's ongoing efforts and attempts at dialogue with China to address the issues facing Catholics there.
