Lai Ching-te plans to attend the Pope's funeral! He is expected to attend alongside Trump, which may not please China, putting the Vatican in a diplomatic dilemma.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te is actively seeking to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. This is not only a religious diplomatic occasion but may also allow Lai Ching-te to appear alongside heads of state from various countries, creating a rare opportunity for international exposure. However, China has classified Lai Ching-te as a "separatist," and the sensitive relationship between the Vatican and China has made this potential visit filled with political tension.

Lai Ching-te has submitted a request to the Vatican and is awaiting a response.

According to Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung's statement to Bloomberg, the Taiwanese government has officially submitted a request to the Vatican, hoping that President Lai Ching-te will represent Taiwan at the funeral of Pope Francis, and is currently awaiting a response.

If it happens, this will be the first time in 20 years that the presidents of Taiwan and the United States appear together at an international diplomatic event.

A rare scene with diplomatic potential, Trump has confirmed his attendance.

Trump has announced through his own platform Truth Social that he will attend the funeral. If Lai Ching-te is invited, it will set a significant record of both leaders from Taiwan and the U.S. appearing together. Although based on past experiences, the likelihood of interaction between the two sides is low, the symbolic significance is substantial.

Trump will attend Pope Francis's funeral.

Looking back to 2005, then-President Chen Shui-bian attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II but did not have the opportunity to interact with then-U.S. President George W. Bush.

The picture shows former President Chen attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005. The President of Taiwan had also attended, which angered China.

Taiwan's former presidents have also visited the Vatican:

2013: Ma Ying-jeou attended the inauguration ceremony of Pope Francis

2005: Chen Shui-bian attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

Du Zujian, former ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Holy See at that time, recalled that the Vatican actually preferred Taiwan to send low-level representatives, but Taiwan's insistence on the president's personal attendance eventually led to China's refusal to send a delegation to participate, highlighting the dilemma faced by the Holy See in "choosing sides".

The picture shows Ma Ying-jeou attending the inauguration ceremony of Pope Francis in 2013. China has not yet expressed its stance on whether to participate, but still emphasizes that it is "willing to improve" its relationship with the Vatican.

In this regard, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jia Kun stated that China is willing to improve relations with the Vatican, but did not provide specific details on whether to send someone to attend the funeral.

Although the Vatican and China severed diplomatic relations in 1951, the two sides signed an interim agreement in 2018 to jointly negotiate the appointment of Chinese bishops. The agreement was extended again in 2023 to 2027 but has never been upgraded to full diplomatic relations.

The relationship between Buddhism and China is sensitive, and religious freedom is still suppressed by the Communist Party.

Although China still maintains communication with the Vatican, the Chinese Communist Party remains highly vigilant regarding religious activities. Since Xi Jinping took office, the crackdown on religious freedom within the country is considered the most severe wave since religious freedom was written into the constitution in 1982.

In this context, if the Vatican agrees to allow Lai Ching-te to attend the funeral as president, it will inevitably provoke a backlash from Beijing, placing the Vatican in a situation of diplomatic pressure.

A religious funeral may also affect the delicate balance between the two sides of the strait and the Vatican.

If Lai Ching-te's trip is successful, it will be an internationally significant exposure. However, it also puts the Vatican in a difficult position between Taiwan and China. If Taiwan can seize this opportunity to appear alongside the President of the United States and other international leaders, it will undoubtedly enhance its diplomatic visibility and possess greater strategic value.

This article discusses Lai Ching-te's plan to attend the Pope's funeral! He is expected to be present alongside Trump, which may upset China, putting the Vatican in a diplomatic dilemma. First appeared on Chain News ABMedia.