Taiwan’s deputy leader urged the European Union to boost security and trade ties with the self-governing island and support its democracy in the face of growing threats by China. “Peace in the Taiwan Strait is essential to global stability and economic continuity,” Vice President Bi-Khim Hsiao told lawmakers assembled for a China-focused conference in the European Parliament building. While Hsiao did not formally address the whole EU Parliament — the European trade bloc does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan — her visit drew ire from China. “In an era marked by increasing fragmentation and rising authoritarianism, this gathering affirms something vital — that democracies, even when far apart, are not alone,” she added to a standing ovation in Parliament.