TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A German delegation led by Klaus-Peter Willsch (威爾許), expressed on Wednesday (May 22) that their visit to Taiwan for the President's inauguration aims to encourage the German government to adopt a more independent approach towards Taiwan.
Willsch has also extended an invitation for Tsai to visit Germany three years after her term, as Taiwan's law dictates that holders of state secrets are prohibited from leaving the country for at least three years after leaving office.
This invitation tests Berlin's stance on its Taiwan policy, especially in light of Beijing's influence.
The visiting delegation comprises members from the German Bundestag's German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, including Frank Schäffler (薛福勒) of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Katrin Budde (布德) of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Their presence underscores the growing bipartisan support for Taiwan in Germany. A scholar, Frederic Krumbein (孔鵬飛), noted that this visit conveys Germany's support for Taiwan as a progressive democratic state in Asia and emphasizes the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for both Germany and the European Union.
The relationship between Taiwan and Germany has strengthened through parliamentary diplomacy and civil exchanges, including German delegations attending presidential inaugurations and the "Taiwan-Germany Civil Forum" in Berlin.
However, challenges remain, as highlighted by Willsch's comments on the March incident in which Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te was denied entry into Germany. Willsch criticized the lack of prior knowledge about the incident and promised to address the issue with the German Foreign Ministry upon his return.
The German delegation's visit not only reinforces the international support for Taiwan but also challenges the diplomatic status quo, advocating for a more flexible and independent European approach to Taiwan.