Berlin (d.de/dpa) –The Federal Foreign Office has praised the elections in Taiwan as a sign of the strength of democracy in the island state. “The free and peaceful elections in Taiwan have once again shown how deeply rooted democracy is in Taiwan and the extent to which voters are committed to democratic values,” said a spokesperson for the ministry in Berlin, adding that Germany maintained “sound and close relations with Taiwan in many areas and is looking to expand these further in line with Germany’s One-China policy”.
Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait were of crucial importance for the region and far beyond, said the ministry spokesperson. “Germany is committed to maintaining the status quo and building trust.”
William Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) won the presidential election in Taiwan with 40.05 per cent of the vote. This means that the people of the island state with its population of more than 23 million voted in favour of a continuation of the policy towards China. Lai’s party is in favour of Taiwanese independence, although the 64-year-old says he does not want to declare it officially.