Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will travel to Berlin next week to speak at a conference, her office announced on Wednesday. This visit is part of a new, concerted effort by the self-ruled island to strengthen its engagement and outreach across Europe, despite its complex diplomatic status.
Taiwan, which is governed democratically but claimed by China, maintains formal diplomatic relations with only the Vatican in Europe.
However, countries across the continent including Britain, France, Lithuania, and Poland, have hosted visits by current or former senior Taiwanese officials, often disregarding objections from Beijing.
Tsai’s Trip to Deepen European Ties
Tsai, who concluded her term in office last year, is scheduled to depart for Berlin on Saturday. She is set to deliver a speech on Monday at the Berlin Freedom Conference.
Her office issued a statement detailing the purpose of the trip:
“Former President Tsai hopes this trip will help deepen cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Germany, as well as with like-minded democratic countries in Europe.”
Since stepping down, Tsai, who is a fluent English speaker and retains significant political influence, has already visited other European nations, including France and Britain. Last year, prior to a similar visit to Europe, Taiwan’s presidential office affirmed that she had the full support of her successor in promoting the island’s continental relations.
Escalating Tensions with Beijing
China ceased regular dialogue with Taiwan after Tsai first took office in 2012. Beijing holds an especially strong dislike for her successor, President Lai Ching-te, whom it labels a “separatist.” Both political leaders belong to Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party.
The diplomatic environment remains charged. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi instructed his German counterpart to oppose “Taiwan independence.” The German Foreign Minister had previously postponed his first trip to Beijing last month.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry continues its proactive engagement efforts. In September, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung made two trips to Europe. He visited countries including the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, and Italy.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei earlier on Wednesday, Lin confirmed he was working to strengthen relations and had established a dedicated “Europe task force” within his ministry.
Taiwan’s government strongly rejects Beijing’s claim of sovereignty, maintaining that only the island’s own people can determine its future.
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