TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s representative to the European Union and Belgium, Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉), on Sunday addressed rumors surrounding Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s (蕭美琴) appearance at the European Parliament last week, releasing a photo showing the heightened security detail assigned to her, per CNA.

Shieh said the additional protection was arranged to prevent any intimidation attempts by China. He added that he informed the officers beforehand that the photo might be posted on social media and received their consent. “Since the security maneuvers, such as the police escort, are public, posting this photo doesn’t disrupt anything,” he said.

He noted the measures were meant to prevent “barbaric behavior” through “civilized actions,” citing an incident in Prague last year in which Hsiao was harassed by Chinese personnel. “It’s not about politics, it’s about values,” he said.

Shieh also criticized those who he said were attempting to smear Taiwan, arguing that such actions ultimately insult other democratic nations. On Facebook, he wrote, “Take a look at this photo, and please shut up about all those rumors!”

He was referring to a widely circulated false claim that Hsiao’s invitation to speak at the European Parliament was linked to Taiwan donating eight billion euros (NT$286 billion). The rumor was falsely attributed to the French BBC.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui (郭雅慧) said the fabricated claims were malicious and that police have been notified to investigate. She said the case will be handled according to the law.

Hsiao delivered her remarks on Friday at the European Parliament during the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). IPAC told the Central News Agency that the European Parliament president, the European External Action Service, and Belgium’s foreign ministry were all informed of Hsiao’s visit.