Till Steffen led a German parliamentary delegation to the Taichung City Government on May 28, 2026 [1].
The visit signals a deepening of ties between Germany and Taiwan as both entities seek to bolster democratic resilience and strengthen international order. By engaging with local governments in Taichung, Germany expands its diplomatic and economic reach beyond the central administration in Taipei.
Steffen, who serves as the Chair of the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, was accompanied by Kirsten Tietz, the Director General of the German Institute Taipei [1]. The delegation met with Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-Yen to discuss various avenues of cooperation [1].
Reports said the primary objectives of the mission were to enhance parliamentary ties and foster economic cooperation [2, 3]. The discussions centered on maintaining a stable international order, and ensuring the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of regional tensions [2, 3].
This engagement follows a broader trend of German lawmakers visiting Taiwan to solidify partnerships. The meetings in Taichung provide a venue for discussing specific industrial and urban collaborations that complement the high-level diplomatic exchanges occurring at the national level.
While the visit focused on friendship and cooperation, it occurs amid a complex geopolitical landscape. The presence of the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group in Taichung underscores a commitment to maintaining open channels of communication and mutual support between the two regions [1].
“The visit signals a deepening of ties between Germany and Taiwan.”
This visit represents a strategic effort by Germany to diversify its relationship with Taiwan by engaging with municipal leadership. By focusing on 'democratic resilience' and economic cooperation, Germany is signaling a commitment to Taiwan's stability and a desire to secure supply chains and political alliances outside of formal state-to-state diplomatic recognition.
