Taiwan’s newly appointed representative to Germany, Hsieh Chih-wei, says his top priority is to strengthen ties between the two sides.
In an interview with DW before taking office on August 31st, Hsieh said that although Taiwan and Germany do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, he will work to build stronger exchanges based on the existing foundation for ties. Hsieh said, though, that there could be some changes to “political goals” in the future as a result of the transfer of political party power in Taiwan from the KMT to the DPP in mid-May.
Hsieh said Taiwan and Germany have close and cooperative exchanges in the areas of the economy, culture, tourism and environmental protection. He said his mission is in line with President Tsai Ing-wen’s policy of viable diplomacy and that he will help Germans gain a better understanding of Taiwan.
Hsieh said that while he respects Germany’s “one China” policy, which he called a “red line” that cannot be crossed, he hopes that Taiwan will be able to win more recognition from the international community.
This is not Hsieh’s first time acting as Taiwan’s representative to Germany; he also held that position from 2005 to 2007.