Based on a statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MTI wrote that this is the first delegation from a European country to visit the island since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. The delegation is headed by Klaus Peter Welch and will remain on the island until Thursday.
Vice Minister Yue warmly welcomed the first outbreak of the epidemic #German🇩🇪 delegation. We wish Tweet embed‘s #Taiwan🇹🇼 President of the Friendship Group Klaus-Peter Welch and 5 Vice Presidents of their parties fruitful visit for 5 days. Time and distance are not afraid of friendship! pic.twitter.com/aUPIxeqr1E
– 外 外部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (MOFA_Taiwan) October 2, 2022
The representatives were received at the airport by Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Tah-Raj Joy. According to their official program, they will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President Lai Ching-tee, Parliament Speaker Yu Shi-kun, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Taiwan lawmakers, and representatives of institutions dealing with security. In addition, the multi-party delegation will also visit a science park in southern Taiwan to promote bilateral trade and ensure the security of supply chains.
The Taipei foreign ministry wrote that the purpose of the visit was to reassure Taiwan of Germany’s comprehensive support.
It is the second European delegation to visit the island since US President Nancy Pelosi visited in August, after French representatives traveled to Taiwan in early September. Pelosi’s visit was followed by large-scale Chinese military exercises, after which US President Joe Biden pledged that the United States would defend Taiwan if necessary.
However, China considers Taiwan its own territorydespite the fact that the island has had an independent government since 1949. Beijing previously stated: If necessary, it will take care of reunification by force.
