German parliamentary delegation visited Taiwan

A parliamentary delegation led by Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chairwoman of the Bundestag Defense Committee of the German parliament, and Johannes Vogel, deputy chairman of the FDP, arrived in Ada this morning, the Taiwanese news agency CNA reported. In the Foreign Ministry’s statement, it was said that the delegation will meet with Taiwan’s leader Tsai Ing-wen, Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang, Parliament Speaker You Si-kun, Foreign Minister , Joseph Wu, and the secretary of the National Security Council. General Wellington Koo during the visit from January 9 to 12.

The delegation, which will also hold talks with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the Mainland Relations Council and think tanks in Taiwan, will visit the Hsinchu Science Park and the National Museum of Human Rights. The group became the first German delegation to visit Taiwan this year and the third parliamentary delegation in the last 3 months.

MILITARY MOBILITY AROUND THE ISLAND

Before the delegation’s visit, the Chinese military held a military exercise in Taiwan. In a statement from the People’s Liberation Army of China (PRC), it was stated that the exercise “aims to counter the cooperation between foreign powers and Taiwan independence forces.”

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported that 57 military aircraft and 4 warships belonging to China were seen around the island from yesterday evening to Monday morning.

Taiwan, which China claims is part of its territory, has enjoyed de facto independence since 1949. The separation and sovereignty conflict between mainland China and Taiwan continues.

Beijing, emphasizing the “one China” principle, opposes Taiwan establishing independent diplomatic relations with the countries of the world, its representation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and stipulates that countries that recognize it must break diplomatic relations. with Taiwan. (AA)