April 7 (Bloomberg) -- Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian will attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II tomorrow in the Vatican, underscoring the island's only diplomatic relations in Europe.

Foreign Minister Mark Chen will be among local officials accompanying Chen, the presidential office said in a statement.

The Vatican severed diplomatic ties with China in 1951, after the communists won the nation's civil war, and recognized Taiwan. China, which licenses a version of the Catholic Church that doesn't recognize the Vatican or the pope's authority, may end being the only major nation not sending a delegation to Pope John Paul II's funeral. About 200 world leaders are expected to attend, including U.S. President George W. Bush.

China's government won't allow the Vatican to appoint bishops in China even if the Holy See cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan, foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said two days ago.

Qin was responding to a report in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, citing Hong Kong Bishop Joseph Zen, that said the next pope may sever relations with Taiwan and recognize China.

To contact the reporter on this story: Theresa Tang in Taipei at at ttang3@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: April 6, 2005 20:32 EDT