(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 21 - Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's defacto ambassador to the United States, was formally invited to the inaugural ceremony of American President Joe Biden, what the Taipei media have described as an unprecedented move since Washington moved the recognition to Beijing in 1979. The Taipei correspondent posted a video of her during the Washington event, saying she was "honored to represent the people and government of Taiwan here at the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris. Democracy is the our common language and freedom is our common goal, "he added.
The island's foreign ministry said it was the first time in decades that a Taiwanese envoy had not been "formally invited" by the ceremony's organizing committee.
President Tsai Ing-wen's progressive Democratic Party spoke of "a new turning point in 42 years".
The story is destined to provoke the reaction of China which considers Taiwan a rebel province, destined for reunification even by force, if necessary.
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