
welt.de
Taiwan's Ambassador Assesses Germany's Handling of Multiple Crises
Taiwan's Ambassador to Germany, Jhy-Wey Shieh, reflects on Germany's handling of the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ukraine war, highlighting both successes and shortcomings in its response while noting a shift in German-China relations and Germany's growing geopolitical awareness.
- What are the long-term consequences of Germany's responses to these three crises, and how have they shaped its domestic political landscape?
- Ambassador Shieh contrasts Germany's response to crises with Taiwan's experience, pointing to delayed responses in Germany to both the pandemic and initial refugee influx. He credits Germany for its humanitarian efforts but emphasizes the resulting societal polarization and the need for reflection and policy correction.
- How has Germany's handling of the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ukraine-related energy crisis impacted its domestic stability and international standing?
- Taiwan's Ambassador to Germany, Jhy-Wey Shieh, departs after nine years, having witnessed three major crises: the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the energy crisis following the Ukraine war. He notes Germany's efforts to find solutions were more complex than anticipated, highlighting unpreparedness for the refugee influx as a persistent issue.
- Considering the evolving geopolitical landscape, what is the future outlook for Germany's role in global affairs, given its recent experiences and the changing nature of international partnerships?
- Shieh observes a shift in German-China relations, noting a move toward viewing China as a 'partner, competitor, and systemic rival.' He highlights increased public awareness of China's threats and predicts that economic dependence, while persistent, will not worsen. He also sees Germany's response to the Ukraine war as a positive step, signifying a willingness to engage more actively in geopolitical matters.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames Germany's handling of crises through the lens of the ambassador's personal experiences and observations. This perspective, while valuable, might unintentionally overshadow other potential interpretations or analyses. The headline and introduction highlight the ambassador's long tenure and unique perspective, subtly influencing the reader to prioritize his viewpoint.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although the choice to repeatedly reference crises as 'hammer' (a strong, negative word) might subtly shape reader perception. The phrasing around Germany's response is mixed, with both praise and criticism. Overall, the language is quite balanced.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the opinions and experiences of the Taiwanese ambassador, offering limited perspectives from other German officials or citizens. While acknowledging the ambassador's long tenure, alternative viewpoints on Germany's handling of the crises are largely absent. This omission might limit the reader's ability to form a comprehensive understanding of the situation. The article also lacks detailed statistical data to support the ambassador's claims regarding the impact of the crises.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy in the discussion of Germany's success in handling the refugee crisis, contrasting the views of Merkel ('Wir schaffen das') and Merz ('Wir haben es nicht geschafft'). It then offers a nuanced 'we are geschafft' conclusion, but this does not fully address the complexities and varying degrees of success in different aspects of the crisis response.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses Germany's response to various crises, including the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ukraine war. Germany's efforts to address these crises, its commitment to protecting refugees, and its evolving stance on China demonstrate a commitment to peace, justice, and strong institutions, though challenges remain. The ambassador highlights the need for reflection and correction of past policies, indicating a willingness to learn and improve institutional responses to crises. The mention of Germany's reaction to the Ukraine war and its growing awareness of China's threat align with strengthening international peace and security.