Taipei – Taiwan has signaled its intent to deepen its relationship with Israel, citing the latter’s support for the island nation on the international stage. The move comes despite ongoing criticisms surrounding Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, stated on Wednesday that Taiwan will reciprocate goodwill shown towards it. He highlighted a declaration signed earlier this year by 72 members of the Israeli parliament, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in key international organizations, as a prime example of Israel’s supportive stance.
Minister Lin also addressed Taiwan’s relationship with Palestine, characterizing it as “very bad for Taiwan.” He explained that Palestine’s alignment with Beijing’s One China policy, which asserts that Taiwan is an integral part of China, presents a significant challenge for Taipei.
“Human rights and national interests must align,” Lin stated during a meeting organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Taiwan. His comments underscore the delicate balance Taiwan seeks to strike between its values and its strategic objectives.
Earlier this year, the Taiwanese government faced criticism over plans to donate to a medical center in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. This occurred against the backdrop of a ruling by the International Court of Justice last year, which deemed Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, unlawful.
When pressed on whether Taipei had abandoned the donation plan, Minister Lin did not provide a definitive answer. He emphasized that Taiwan prioritizes humanitarian aid in the Gaza conflict and that Taiwanese diplomats are instructed not to interfere in the conflict. “We provide a lot of humanitarian assistance to both sides, including the Gaza Strip and Palestine,” Lin affirmed. This statement reflects Taiwan’s commitment to providing aid where needed, even amidst complex geopolitical considerations.
