Pope Francis, during his recent return from a 12-day trip across Southeast Asia and Oceania, praised China as 'a promise and a hope' for the Catholic Church, expressing optimism about ongoing Vatican-China negotiations regarding bishop appointments. As the deadline for renewing a controversial 2018 agreement approaches, Francis noted that both sides are engaging in discussions with goodwill. The Pope emphasized his admiration for China’s rich culture and its potential for dialogue, while acknowledging the historical divide among Chinese Catholics between the state-recognized church and the underground church loyal to Rome. Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo highlighted that a shift in Vatican recognition from Taiwan to Beijing would not end the Church's representation in Taiwan. Analysts speculate that improved Vatican-China relations could impact Taiwan's diplomatic ties with the Holy See. The Vatican views the current agreement as a necessary compromise to bridge longstanding tensions and unite China's estimated 12 million Catholics.