The foreign ministry says Germany is an important trading partner for Taiwan, especially in the innovation industry.
The ministry made the statement Tuesday, a day after the Bundestag held a hearing about a petition for establishing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
German citizen Michael Kreuzberg initiated the move. He said he does not want to see Taiwan annexed by China, and ensuring Taiwan’s security is the moral responsibility and obligation of Western countries.
Germany’s foreign ministry said on Monday Germany is planning to expand its ties with Taiwan as the two sides both value democracy and freedom. However, the foreign ministry said Germany has no plans to change its “one China” policy as it is also a policy adopted by most countries in the world.
On Tuesday, German Institute Taipei, the de facto German embassy, said cooperation and exchanges between the two countries have continued to grow. It also said moves towards transitional justice and mutual recognition of drivers’ licenses are likely to be put in place soon.