VP Hsiao gives interview to German broadcaster ARD

2025/10/30

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim gave an interview to Tessniem Kadiri of Germany’s public service broadcaster ARD, in which she discussed issues including expanded Taiwan-Germany cooperation, Taiwan defense preparations and the cross-strait relationship.
 
According to the Presidential Office, Hsiao said Taiwanese people are committed to defending their freedom and democratic way of life while facing military threats and hybrid coercion from China. Taiwan is also committed to strengthening self-defense capabilities and safeguarding regional peace and stability, she added.
 
Taiwan belongs to the Taiwanese people, the vice president said, adding that the People’s Republic of China has never ruled Taiwan, and Taiwan is not part of the PRC. Any behavior that undermines regional peace stems from Beijing, Hsiao noted, urging the international community to oppose China’s threats of force against the country.
 
The vice president went on to say that Taiwan is open to dialogue with Beijing if it is based on mutual respect and reciprocal dignity. She further stressed the importance of maintaining the cross-strait status quo, which benefits both sides and the global community.
 
Hsiao said that many Taiwan enterprises are actively accessing international markets to diversify risks in the face of economic and trade coercion from China. She expressed condolences to Ukraine and added that democracies should unite to jointly counter the alliance of authoritarian regimes and their interference in democracies.
 
Regarding the Taiwan-Germany relationship, Hsiao thanked German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul for his recent emphasis on the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. She added that German government support in the international arena is also deeply appreciated by Taiwan.
 
Germany is one of Taiwan’s largest trade partners in Europe, Hsiao said, adding that she looks forward to expanding bilateral collaboration and jointly defending the global trade system. Taiwan plays a crucial role in international supply chain security which in turn is reliant on the Taiwan Strait, she concluded, calling on the international community to remain attentive to any threats to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)