Taiwan eyes Vatican-China ties after Pope Francis’ death

As the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new leader following the death of Pope Francis, some in Taiwan are watching with growing unease. The Holy See is the only European state that maintains diplomatic relations with Taipei, but there are concerns that the Vatican’s growing ties with Beijing could change this dynamic.

Taiwan, with fewer than 300,000 Catholics, is recognized by the Holy See as the sole “China.” In contrast, communist China boasts a Catholic population of anywhere between eight and 12 million, with an additional 390,000 in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong. Despite these numbers, Taiwan holds a significant symbolic importance as a diplomatic partner for the Vatican.

After Pope Francis’ passing, Taiwan’s President William Lai initially expressed his intention to attend the funeral. However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later announced that former Vice President and devout Catholic Chen Chien-jen would represent Taiwan at the funeral.

The Vatican’s efforts to build ties with Beijing, culminating in a controversial agreement on the appointment of bishops in 2018, have raised concerns in Taiwan. The deal, renewed several times, allows both sides a say in bishop selection in an attempt to bridge the gap between China’s state-run Catholic Church and the underground church loyal to Rome.

While some fear a potential shift in Vatican-Taiwan relations, Vatican diplomacy expert Thomas Tu believes such concerns are exaggerated. Tu emphasizes the Vatican’s long-term view and cites its relationship with Vietnam as an example of patient diplomacy. He stresses that the Vatican’s engagement with China is driven by a global Catholic mission rather than political considerations.

Pope Francis, who favored engagement with China, made overtures to Beijing during his tenure. However, critics within the Church, such as retired Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, view any warming of ties with Beijing as capitulation to an atheist regime. The Vatican’s insistence on spiritual autonomy may hinder any formal deal with China that requires severing ties with Taiwan.

With the election of a new pope imminent, there are concerns in Taiwan about a potential shift in Vatican policy. However, experts believe that the Vatican will proceed cautiously, as any decision regarding Taiwan-China relations will require careful consideration. The long-standing rift between the Vatican and Beijing is seen as a small chapter in the broader history of the Church and Chinese civilization.

In conclusion, as the Catholic Church navigates its relationship with Beijing, Taiwan watches with apprehension. The Vatican’s diplomatic maneuvers will have far-reaching implications, but the Vatican’s history of patient diplomacy suggests that any changes will be carefully considered. The unique position of Taiwan as the Holy See’s symbolic diplomatic partner adds a layer of complexity to this evolving relationship.