Full Breakdown
German Parliamentary Delegation Visits Taiwan Amid Rising China Tensions
5/30/2026, 1:31:56 AM
Visit Overview
From 24-30 May 2026, the Berlin-Taipei Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Green MP Till Steffen, visited Taiwan to discuss defence, disaster response, technology and economic cooperation with President Lai, while German Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche was in Beijing.
Historical Context
Germany’s reliance on Chinese supply chains, especially for EV batteries, drives a push to diversify. Berlin lacks diplomatic ties with Taiwan but maintains economic, cultural and research links, while Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province.
Delegation Members and Taiwanese Hosts
The five German MPs are Till Steffen (Green), Markus Reichel and Klaus-Peter Willsch (CDU), Rainer Kraft (AfD) and Mandy Eissing (Left). Taiwanese hosts included President Lai, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and others.
Economic Cooperation Highlights
TSMC is constructing a €10 billion chip fab in Dresden with Bosch, Infineon and NXP, slated for 2027 output. The delegation discussed joint battery-research and noted Taiwanese investment creates high-quality jobs. In September 2024 German warships transited the Taiwan Strait, the first such passage in 22 years.
Official Statements and Responses
Steffen said democratic exchanges are normal, Germany seeks a balanced China relationship, and will watch U.S. decisions on a possible $14 billion arms package for Taiwan. President Lai stressed shared democratic values, resilient supply chains and the need for cooperation to uphold a rules-based order. Chinese spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated Beijing’s opposition to official contact with Taiwan, while Taiwan’s spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei affirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty and condemned Chinese bullying. German Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche’s concurrent Beijing visit underscored parallel diplomatic activity.
Chinese Criticism
Mao Ning warned the German visit sends “wrong messages” to Taiwan-independence forces and said China “firmly opposes official interactions” between its “Taiwan region” and any country with Beijing ties.
Strategic Significance
The trip highlights Berlin’s push to diversify critical tech supply chains, reinforce democratic solidarity and signal resistance to Beijing’s pressure, while aligning with broader Western concerns over Taiwan’s security and potentially shaping EU-China economic ties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is in Germany's interest to have a balanced situation and not to depend solely on China,” — Till Steffen, Chair, German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group
- “Taiwan is a global leader in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductors are essential for the economy of the future — for artificial intelligence and data centers. Given our economic challenges, Germany must not miss the opportunity to remain economically strong in the future.” — Till Steffen, speaking to DW
- “This milestone not only strengthens industrial cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. It is also a contribution by Taiwan and Germany to ensuring global supply chains and the shared canon of democratic values,” — President William Lai
- “The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign and independent country,” — Hsiao Kuang-wei, Taiwan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Outlook
Steffen said Berlin will monitor a possible Lai-Trump call and the U.S. Congress’s decision on the $14 billion arms package for Taiwan.
