As the first German cabinet member in 26 years – Stark-Watzinger visits Taiwan

For the first time in 26 years, a German cabinet member will visit Taiwan: Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) will travel to the country on Monday, a ministry spokesman confirmed on Friday. The aim of the two-day trip is to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan in science, research and education. China regards Taiwan as a breakaway territory and refuses official contacts with the democratic country.

The ministry spokesman pointed out that Taiwan is a high-tech location and a world leader in the development and production of semiconductors. The focus of the trip is on semiconductor research and the development of skilled workers, research on the use of green hydrogen and the expansion of cooperation in battery research.

Taiwan is under growing pressure from Beijing. Since the split between China and Taiwan in 1949, Beijing has viewed the island as a breakaway territory that it wants to reunite with the mainland - if necessary using military force.

In January, FDP members of the Bundestag visited the island republic and also met Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. The visit had been strongly condemned by China.

A spokesman for the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin pointed out on Friday that Germany maintains close and good relations with Taiwan “below the threshold of international recognition”. This affects many areas such as business, culture, education, science and research. Regular exchanges and mutual visits by the responsible ministers are "completely normal" and also in line with the One China policy. Part of this principle is recognizing Beijing as the sole representative of China.

Günter Rexrodt, then Federal Minister of Economics, last visited Taiwan (FDP) in 1997.