Taipei: Exchanges between democratic societies should not be affected by outside interference, stated visiting German parliamentarian Till Steffen. During a meeting with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office, Steffen emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and Germany.
According to Focus Taiwan, Steffen, who is the chair of the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, made these comments in light of objections from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to his delegation's visit to Taiwan. He asserted that exchanges between democracies are normal and should remain free from any third-party interference. Steffen assured that Taiwan-German relations have withstood the test of time and there have been no changes in the German government or Bundestag's stance on Taiwan.
Steffen highlighted that despite many new international developments, both Taiwan and Germany face similar threats from autocracies and can no longer fully rely on the United States. He advocated for deeper bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and Germany, underlining common challenges in strengthening national defense and enhancing social and economic resilience.
He also mentioned his delegation's focus on a potential telephone call between Lai and U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as Washington's decision regarding an arms sales package to Taiwan. The package, valued at approximately US$14 billion, faces uncertainty following a meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Trump has indicated he would discuss the issue with Lai, though not explicitly naming him.
President Lai highlighted shared core values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law between Taiwan and Germany, emphasizing that closer cooperation among democratic partners is vital for upholding the rules-based international order. He expressed gratitude for the German government's and parliament's support for Taiwan, citing the transit of a German naval vessel through the Taiwan Strait in 2024 and continued backing for Taiwan's international participation.
Lai also pointed out the expanded cooperation in trade and technology between Taiwan and Germany, noting TSMC's investment in Dresden as a significant milestone that would enhance Taiwan-Europe industrial ties and the resilience of democratic supply chains.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Steffen's delegation includes parliamentary group vice chairs Markus Reichel of the Christian Democratic Union and Mandy Ei€¦¸ing of The Left. During their visit, which concludes on Saturday, they are scheduled to meet with former President Tsai Ing-wen, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Kuomintang Chairperson Cheng Li-wun, and Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang, among others, MOFA reported.