China rebukes German lawmakers over Taiwan visit

China has criticised a visit by a delegation of German lawmakers to Taiwan, reiterating its opposition to official exchanges between the self-ruled island and countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on May 25 that Taiwan is “an inseparable part of China” and warned that the so-called “One China principle” forms the political foundation of China’s relations with Germany, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“We urge the relevant individuals on the German side to adhere to the One China principle and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces,” Mao said, according to remarks in Beijing.

Beijing views Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification. The Chinese government requires countries seeking diplomatic relations with it to recognise the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and avoid formal ties with Taipei.

Germany, which maintains official diplomatic relations with Beijing, continues to engage with Taiwan through unofficial channels, including parliamentary visits and economic exchanges.

A five-member cross-party delegation from the German Bundestag, led by Green lawmaker Till Steffen, arrived in Taiwan over the weekend to discuss cooperation with the island.

The delegation is scheduled to meet Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday. Beijing considers Lai a separatist due to his affiliation with the Democratic Progressive Party, which supports Taiwan’s separate identity from China.