Germany joins EU in cautiously bolstering relations with Taiwan

Taipei/Taiwan – Germany’s parliament has passed a resolution calling on the government to reassess its Taiwan policy and deepen exchanges with the island but ruling out the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The resolution says that since the Federal Republic of Germany and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations in 1972, the country has adhered to the so-called “One-China” policy that excludes the possibility of forging full diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

However, Germany is supportive of conducting close political, economic, and social engagement with Taiwan, and expanded cooperation with Taipei is in the interest of Germany and Europe, it states.

Zsuzsa Ferenczy, an EU foreign policy expert, said that the European countries should be more aware of “the implications of a more assertive China inside Europe and its impact on Europe’s ability to protect its interests.”

Ferenczy noted that the European Union as a block and EU member states are interested in Europe’s digital and green transition, and so is Taiwan.

“Taiwan’s relevance for Germany falls under the car industry, as well as the machine and home appliances industry. Germany is already present, helping to develop onshore wind farms, as well as off-shore wind parts with German developers and German turbines” she added.

Meanwhile, professor of Global Politics and Economics Department Reinhard Biedermann said that strengthening relations with the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] states would reduce their dependency on China.

“I think this is very important for German industries, but also German politics. Because now, due to COVID-19, we understand that the supply chain can be very sensitive. When there are interruptions, when you get too dependent on one or only a few suppliers, this is bad for your economy,” he said.

For Biedermann, Although Germany will continue to follow the One-China Policy, all the German ministers, except for chancellors, foreign ministers, and defense ministers, should be allowed to visit Taiwan. Berline could also support Taipei’s participation in international organizations.