Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, “hopes and believes” Germany would back China’s “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said Saturday.
Wang told visiting German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock that China backed Germany’s reunification.
Wang said, “To maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait, it is necessary to firmly oppose separatist activities related to ‘Taiwan independence’,” adding that Taiwan’s “return to China” was crucial to the post-World War II international order.
Baerbock warned Friday that any Chinese attempt to rule Taiwan would be unacceptable and have major consequences for Europe. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell echoed her.
Beijing has never ruled out using force to annex democratic Taiwan. However, Tsai Ing-wen’s government opposes China’s position, stating only the Taiwanese can decide their destiny.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry praised Baerbock’s remarks on Saturday.
“The Foreign Ministry thanks many high-level officials in executive departments of various countries, including Germany, for their solidarity with Taiwan,” it stated.
Olaf Scholz’s government is creating a new China policy to lessen dependency on Asia’s economic giant, a key export market for German goods, in contrast to Angela Merkel’s objectives.
Last month, German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger visited Taiwan, which China called “vile.”
After Tsai returned from Los Angeles, where she visited U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Beijing held three days of military maneuvers surrounding Taiwan, involving bomber and missile attacks.
Wang also said China is eager to deepen exchanges and communication with Germany to improve mutual understanding and prepare for future Sino-German government dialogues.
Comment Template