At the direction of Lai Ching-te, Hsiao Bi-khim traveled to Italy's Ventotene Island to attend the second European Forum for Freedom and Democracy. The trip was not announced in advance, and the European Commission withdrew from the event after learning of it, while China expressed opposition. After returning to Taiwan on September 14, Hsiao told reporters at the airport that Taiwan will continue to bravely walk a path that moves forward alongside the world.