Tensions are mounting around Taiwan — since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerns have grown that China could launch a similar attack on the island. An FDP delegation wants to show their support in Taipei.
In view of China’s military threats, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen thanked Germany for its support. At a meeting with a delegation of FDP politicians in Taipei, the President said: “Democracies must stand side by side and uphold the values of freedom and democracy.” She also welcomed the fact that Germany pays close attention to security in the Taiwan Strait. The strait that separates Taiwan from mainland China faces “authoritarian expansionism.”
The chair of the defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP), said Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine was a “huge wake-up call”. It was seen what happens “when a despot comes”. “That’s why we’re coming to your country, to your beautiful island, to tell the world that we stand together as democratic states,” said the FDP politician. “We are here in deep friendship.”
Change in status quo “unacceptable”
At the meeting in the presidential palace, FDP Vice-Chairman Johannes Vogel reiterated that while Germany, Europe and the Western allies support the “One China Principle,” the status quo in the Taiwan Straits can only be changed by mutual consent. Any attempt to change the current situation through violence or the threat of doing so is “unacceptable,” said Vogel. The visit was a “gesture of solidarity against any threat of military aggression”.
The visit of the ten FDP MPs was overshadowed by new Chinese military maneuvers near Taiwan. Tensions had escalated in recent months. Also, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, concerns are growing that China could invade Taiwan in a similar way. The leadership in Beijing regards Taiwan only as part of the People’s Republic and threatens to conquer it, while Taiwan has long considered itself independent.
Source: Stern
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