- Taiwan’s president has hosted an AIPAC delegation for the first time ever, despite protests at home over the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
- Taiwan has condemned the October 2023 offensive by Hamas.
Taiwan hosted a pro-Israel lobby group, AIPAC, for the first time last Friday as it seeks closer cooperation between the US and Israel on security and trade.
Taiwan received at least 200 members from the lobby group, during which Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te addressed them in a public statement
Taiwan currently recognises neither Israel nor Palestine but has maintained commercial ties with Tel Aviv since 1993 through an economic and trade office in Taipei. Taiwan concentrates its cooperation in the areas of technology, industry, and defence.
Taiwanese President Lai said in a statement: “At this important event, I want to take the opportunity to express my relief that the Israeli hostages have been released.
“Following the Hamas violent attack on October 7, 2023, Taiwan immediately condemned the attack and then provided assistance to the Israeli people through humanitarian aid and medical supplies.”
Taiwan seeks to deepen its strategic partnerships while investing in advanced technology and enhancing its defence capabilities through its Taiwan-US-Israeli cooperation. As for how far Taiwan will go, noting that Israel carried out a genocide that many argue is ongoing and has without shame been vocal about its expansionist agenda, time will tell how far Taiwan’s relationship with Israel will develop.
Taiwan is a staunch enemy of China, which has claimed it will retake the island into its fold on multiple occasions. China, however, also has diplomatic relations and engages in trade with Israel.
Israel might restrain its international diplomacy with Taiwan to avoid upsetting its larger trading partner, China.
