Taiwan's last "diplomatic country" in Europe is about to reach a "historic" agreement with China

Agence France -Presse said on the 2nd that sources revealed that the Vatican and China were close to a "historic" agreement on the appointment of the bishop, and the Vatican will recognize the seven bishops appointed by the Chinese government.

Reuters also made a similar news on the 1st that the Vatican and the Chinese government had reached a framework agreement on the bishop's appointment. This agreement will be signed within a few months, or a historic breakthrough to Vatican relations.

Reuters said that the Vatican sources revealed that in the formal agreement, the Vatican may have the right to speak in the future bishop appointment, but refused to disclose the details. In addition, there is a "gentleman agreement" involved in the Chinese government supported by the Chinese government. The agreement stipulates that the identity of the seven bishops may be "legalized". Regarding the recognition of the issue of Chinese bishop, the Wall Street Journal quoted people familiar with the matter on the 1st, saying that the Pope Francis has decided to recognize the legitimacy of the 7 bishops appointed by the Chinese government. The appointment of the seven bishops has not been approved by the Pope, and the Vatican has not admitted their identity for many years. The report said that the Holy See made a concession and hoped to exchange for the Chinese government to acknowledge its authority to the Chinese Catholic Church.

▲ In June 2016, in the Saint Plaza, someone waved the Chinese flag on the bank of the Pope Fangji (Picture Source: The New York Times website)

In addition, Reuters said that the Vatican sources expressed disagree with the Vatican's "betrayal" Chinese church, and denied that the media Fang Ji was crowded out of China. The source said that the Pope has been paying close attention to the news related to China and supported two Chinese bishops who are loyal to the Vatican to make a comprehensive agreement with the bishop supported by the Chinese government. It is reported that with the support of the Pope, the Vatican sent a delegation to China in December last year to adjust the two bishops recognized by the Vatican.

Reuters believes that even if the Vatican and the Chinese government only reach some agreement on the power issues of the bishop, it will open the door for the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two parties.

It is worth mentioning that the Vatican is the only European "AIA" in Taiwan. The Taiwan side paid close attention to the development of this situation, and will send five "Legislative Council members" to visit the Vatican on February 3rd to see the Pope, but it is not yet possible to confirm whether the Pope can be seen.

▲ Data Map: Taiwan's "Vice President" Chen Jianren visited the Vatican in October 2016 (Taiwan Media Map)

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