Taipei: Germany’s representative to Taiwan, Karsten Tietz, on Tuesday underscored bilateral ties by highlighting the shared values between the two countries and the common challenges posed by “aggressive neighbors.”

According to Focus Taiwan, Tietz spoke at a concert marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the German Institute Taipei, emphasizing that Taiwan and Germany share more than the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. He noted that both countries face challenges such as increasingly aggressive neighbors, gray zone and hybrid attacks, the need to improve self-defense capabilities independent of major allies, and the necessity to end dependency on fossil fuel imports.

Tietz quoted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating, “We have to be able to defend ourselves so that we never actually have to defend ourselves,” which underscores Germany’s position as Ukraine’s largest European supporter. He stressed the importance of not turning away from friends in need, warning that a Russian victory in its war of aggression could soon place many friends in need.

He further highlighted the ongoing global struggle between authoritarian and democratic governance, human rights versus oppression, and a rules-based international order versus historical imperialism. Tietz also expressed Germany’s “deep concern” over China’s criminal probe into Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Puma Shen, citing freedom and democracy as significant threats to dictators and authoritarian regimes.

Tietz explained that the efforts by Taiwan and Germany to build resilience aim to safeguard freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights from aggressors. He concluded by emphasizing that these values form the core of the relationship between Taiwan and Germany.