As President Bush and his wife attended church in Beijing on Sunday morning before discussing a series of thorny issues with the Chinese leadership, they should note an emerging story from Taiwan involving the Vatican and religious freedom. The South China Morning Post from Hong Kong reports ($link): Taiwan yesterday described as far—fetched media reports that a top Vatican official will visit the island next week to lay the groundwork to switch diplomatic recognition to the mainland. "Speculation about Cardinal [Jean—Louis] Tauran's upcoming visit is much too far—fetched," said David Wang Chien—yeh, deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman. Cardinal Tauran, 68, head of the Vatican Library and a former foreign minister experienced in China affairs, will arrive in Taiwan on Monday for a six—day visit. He will meet Taiwanese President Chen Shui—bian and other senior officials, including Mainland Affairs Council chairman Joseph Wu Jau—shieh. If...(Read Full Post)