Taiwan's foreign minister said the island will expand ties with Israel, citing unusually strong parliamentary support from Israel for Taiwan's international participation. Lin Chia-Lung described Palestinian positions as aligned with Beijing's One-China stance and said Taiwan must balance human rights with national interests. He defended Taipei's humanitarian focus in the Israel-Hamas war, declined to confirm whether a planned West Bank donation was dropped, and suggested other countries could learn from Taiwan's China-related security measures.
Taiwan to Deepen Ties with Israel Despite Gaza War Criticism, Foreign Minister Says
Taiwan's foreign minister said the island will expand ties with Israel, citing unusually strong parliamentary support from Israel for Taiwan's international participation. Lin Chia-Lung described Palestinian positions as aligned with Beijing's One-China stance and said Taiwan must balance human rights with national interests. He defended Taipei's humanitarian focus in the Israel-Hamas war, declined to confirm whether a planned West Bank donation was dropped, and suggested other countries could learn from Taiwan's China-related security measures.
06:54 PM, 11/12/2025Politics
Taipei: Taiwan Seeks Closer Ties with Israel Amid Debate Over Gaza War
TAIPEI — Taiwan plans to deepen its relationship with Israel despite criticism tied to Israel's war in Gaza, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung said Wednesday. Lin argued that Israel has offered Taipei political support that Taiwan has not received from other countries in the Middle East, citing a declaration this year by 72 members of Israel's parliament backing Taiwan's inclusion in key international organizations.
"We will be friendly to countries that are friendly to us," Lin said.
Lin also drew a sharp distinction between Israel and Palestinian positions. He was quoted saying that "Palestine is very bad to Taiwan," explaining that he sees Palestinian stances as aligning with Beijing's One-China principle, which views Taiwan as part of China. Lin emphasized that human rights concerns must be weighed alongside national interests.
Taiwan came under scrutiny earlier this year for a proposed donation to a medical center located in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. The International Court of Justice last year said Israel's presence in occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, is illegal. When reporters asked whether Taipei had dropped the West Bank donation plan, Lin did not give a definitive response. Instead, he reiterated that Taiwan's priority is providing humanitarian aid related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and that Taiwanese diplomats have been instructed to avoid involvement in the fighting.
"In fact, we provide a lot of humanitarian aid to both sides, including the Gaza Strip and Palestine," Lin said.
Lin added that other nations could learn from Taiwan's experience in responding to China, including handling gray-zone tactics and protecting telecommunications and data transfers.
Last week Lin accompanied Vice President Bi‑Khim Hsiao on a rare visit to Brussels, where Hsiao urged the European Union to deepen security and trade ties with the self-governing island. The comments highlight Taipei's effort to broaden diplomatic relationships while balancing humanitarian concerns and geopolitical pressures.