Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday that it was maintaining close contact with the Holy See, amid rumors of a potential meeting between Pope Francis and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazakhstan.

There has been speculation that Xi and Pope Francis, both due in the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan on Sept. 14, may hold talks that could pave the way for the creation of formal ties between Beijing and the Vatican.

Asked to comment, MOFA spokeswoman Joanne Ou told reporters that the ministry was keeping a "smooth communication channel open with the Vatican."

She added that the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, had maintained close cooperation with the Holy See since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1942.

"Taiwan has always paid close attention to any potential meetings between the leaders of its diplomatic allies and high-ranking Chinese officials," Ou said.

Chinese President Xi is due in Kazakhstan for his first state visit since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Pope Francis will be in the country from Sept. 13-15 to attend an interfaith summit.

Neither Beijing nor the Vatican has commented on the rumored meeting.

The Holy See is one of 14 sovereign entities that maintain full diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but its relations with Beijing have warmed under the leadership of Pope Francis.

In 2018, Beijing and the Vatican struck a deal to work together on appointing Chinese bishops, which is expected to be extended for the second time next month.

Beijing's "one China" policy makes the Vatican severing ties with Taipei a prerequisite to establishing diplomatic relations.

However, Ou said Taiwan's relationship with the Vatican remained strong and stable, noting that Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen had met with Pope Francis on Sunday at a mass in St. Peter's Square.

Chen is currently in Vatican City to attend the beatification of John Paul I as a representative of President Tsai Ing-wen.

(CNA)

Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen attends a mass for peace in Ukraine at the Minor Basilica of Santa Sofia on Sept. 5

Taiwan in contact with Vatican amid rumors of Xi-Pope meet: MOFA