TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday defended Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s trip to Europe, after China referred to him as a lower-ranking Chinese official.

The international community recognizes the reality that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other, the foreign ministry said, adding that Taiwan has the right to engage with other like-minded countries. Lin is in Europe to promote a Taiwanese culture campaign.

His visit coincides with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also on a European tour. In its protest, Beijing referred to Lin as "merely a local foreign affairs official in China."

Lin arrived in the Czech Republic on Friday to visit a National Palace Museum exhibition at the National Museum in Prague. The foreign ministry said the trip fosters deeper exchanges with European partners.