China protests
First ministerial trip to Taiwan in 26 years
03/17/2023, 7:58 p.m
For the first time in more than a quarter of a century, a member of the federal government is flying to Taiwan. During her two-day visit, Minister of Education Stark-Watzinger is primarily concerned with the topics of semiconductors and skilled workers.
For the first time in 26 years, German Minister of Education Bettina Stark-Watzinger will visit Taiwan. The FDP politician will travel to the country on Monday, as a ministry spokesman said. The aim of the two-day trip is to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan in science, research and education. China regards Taiwan as a breakaway territory and refuses official contacts with the democratic country. According to a report, the Chinese side reacted with outrage to the announcement. Günter Rexrodt, then Federal Minister of Economics, last visited Taiwan in 1997.
The ministry spokesman pointed out that Taiwan is a high-tech location and a world leader in the development and production of semiconductors. The focus of the trip is on semiconductor research and the development of skilled workers, research on the use of green hydrogen and the expansion of cooperation in battery research. In January, FDP members of the Bundestag visited the island republic and also met Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen. China had harshly condemned the visit.
A spokesman for the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin pointed out that Germany maintains close and good relations with Taiwan “below the threshold of international recognition”. This affects many areas such as business, culture, education, science and research. Regular exchanges and mutual visits by the responsible ministers are “completely normal” and also in line with the One China policy. Part of this principle is recognizing Beijing as the sole representative of China.
The Chinese embassy informed the editorial network Germany: “The Chinese side has already demarched to the responsible German authorities (Protest note submitted) and expressed great displeasure.” No one should “underestimate China’s determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as China’s core interest,” the embassy emphasized. “At this point we call on the German side again to make no compromises to adhere to the one-China principle, to immediately cease all forms of official contacts with the independence-seeking Taiwan separatist forces and interference in China’s internal affairs.”