German Cabinet Minister to Visit Taiwan in First Trip in 26 Years Despite Beijing's Displeasure.

Germany's education minister, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, will visit Taiwan next week to improve cooperation on semiconductors, but the issue of sovereignty will not be the focus of the trip. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has increased pressure to assert those claims. The visit comes at a time when Berlin is reviewing its previously close ties with China. The German government has instructed Stark-Watzinger not to see President Tsai Ing-wen to avoid irritating China too much. The agenda will also include battery research and supply chains.