German-Taiwanese Association

The German-Taiwanese Association e.V. (former German Chinese Association – Friends of Taiwan) was founded in 1957, making it the oldest society in Germany and throughout Europe advancing ties to Taiwan.

The association was originally made up of members of the German parliament (Bundestag), who were interested in long-term development of German-Taiwanese relations. Ever since, the DTG has united German and Taiwanese citizens through culture, economics, science and politics.
According to the DTG charter, the association’s purpose is to promote within Germany the understanding of Taiwan in the sense of international relations. The DTG advocates for the continuance, care and strengthening of the multifaceted relationship between Germany and Taiwan. This includes promotion and increase of cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Germany, development of economic relationships, and support for academic relations between the two countries.

The DTG is party-politically neutral, cross-party active in order to keep the scope, which is needed at events with both state and political as well as economic and cultural dialogue partners.
In workshops, lectures and discussion events, we are raising our voice for Taiwan. We understand ourselves as an initiator- this is how the Parliamentarian Friendship Group Berlin-Taipeh was established from our Executive Board in 1989. This parliamentary group includes parliamentarians of all parties and has all the rights of an official parliamentarian group.

Behind the change of name lies a long process of reflection and discussion. Over the past few decades, a Taiwanese identity has emerged – as shown by surveys and studies in recent years. Taiwan needs a strong voice of support. The name change is a black-on-white-commitment and a recognition of the civil society and its democratic successes of the past 30 years as well as a sign against the international discrimination of Taiwan. Our association wants consistency in friendly relations, but also seeks to demonstrate transition and clarity in our organizational orientation and to keep an eye on the dynamics of geopolitical and social changes.

Our mission

Taiwan´s unique political situation within the international arena requires special attention. The diplomatic space for Taiwan is limited. By making the best possible use of our diverse tools we constantly enhance awareness for the right of the people of Taiwan and ensure space for Taiwan to present.

We are raising Taiwan-related issues that are not covered by official Germany policy.

• Fostering relationships between Taiwan and Germany in the areas of politics, economy, academics and culture
• Improvement in Taiwan´s status issues
• Making Taiwan more visible: stronger inclusion of Taiwan in the international community
• Lobbying for an up-to-date Taiwan policy