German Parliamentary Delegation Visits Taiwan; MOFA: 'Normal Behavior Among Democratic Nations'

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 26: A cross-party delegation from the German Bundestag is visiting Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated today that exchanges and mutual visits between Taiwanese and foreign parliamentarians are in line with democratic principles and international practice, and that China has no right to interfere. The visit is a normal act of enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation between democratic nations. During a regular press conference this morning, MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei responded to questions regarding the Chinese Foreign Ministry's criticism of the visit yesterday. Hsiao emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent state, not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. He stated that any attempt to distort Taiwan's sovereign status is an act of bullying that undermines international peace and stability, and that no amount of lies can change the status quo recognized by the international community. Hsiao noted that Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon yesterday for the delegation led by Till Steffen, chair of the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, expressing sincere welcome. During their stay, the delegation will meet with President Lai Ching-te, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, former President Tsai Ing-wen, and legislators from various parties. Hsiao pointed out that Taiwan and Germany are like-minded partners who value a rules-based international order. Taiwan will continue to work with democratic allies to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, and remains a reliable partner for Europe's 're-industrialization' and 're-armament' strategies.