Israel should not forget that it has friends in the East, and a really good one is Taiwan. Especially after the October 7 massacre, relations between the two countries have been growing fonder and stronger.
In 2023, former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen reminded a delegation from Israel's Knesset that the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel also marked 30 years since the two countries mutually established representative offices.
On that occasion, Tsai stressed: “Over the past three decades, Taiwan and Israel have signed 32 agreements, covering such areas as technology, health care, and aerospace. … Taiwan and Israel are key trading partners. Even during the pandemic, our bilateral trade continued to grow steadily, reaching $3.28 billion in 2022.”
However, it is not just about business. Israel and Taiwan are connected by a profound link, since both countries are resolutely defending democracy and liberty, despite being surrounded by authoritarian neighbors. For these reasons, after the October 7 massacre, Taiwan was among the first countries to condemn Hamas’ pogrom in Israeli territory.
The Taiwan Foreign Ministry published a statement stressing that it strongly condemned “Hamas for the terrorist attack on Israeli civilians and causing the deaths of innocent people,” and outlined that Taiwan “will work with like-minded countries to resist all forms of terrorist attacks.” In order to show support, Taiwan's tallest skyscraper Taipei 101 was also lit with the blue and white colors of the Israeli flag.
On its X account, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry posted photos of the display, adding that “Taiwan stands resolute, united in solidarity with Israel.” In an Instagram post, the Foreign Ministry further underlined that the lights “show our solidarity for the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks.”
Thanking the Taipei government, Israeli Representative to Taiwan Maya Yaron stated: “Taiwan is a very good friend to Israel, and we truly appreciate everything that we receive.”
Soon after the massacre, on October 23, it was reported that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office made a donation of approximately $70,000 to the Pitchon-Lev Association, a non-profit organization whose goal is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty in Israel.
“By standing steadfastly by Israel's side, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, representing Taiwan, not only upholds the values of humanity and justice, but also rekindles hope for those who may have lost faith in the goodness of humanity,” Eli Cohen, CEO of the Pitchon-Lev organization, stressed in the wake of the October 7 pogrom.
On March 19, 2024, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv donated $15.9 million New Taiwan Dollars, or $500,000 to local government agencies in Israel, including for medical and communications supplies. Taiwan’s representative office in Tel Aviv, headed by Ambassador Ya-Ping (Abby) Lee, has also expressed solidarity with Israel by volunteering at a persimmon plantation with the help of the Hashomer Hachadash organization.
“As Israel has been facing a challenging period, especially in the agricultural sector, we are glad to offer our helping hands and bring comfort and hope to the nation by action. Taiwan was among the first countries to come out in support of Israel, not only with prayers but also with actions. We will continue to stand by Israel, support the return home of all the hostages, and pray for world peace,” the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office wrote in Hebrew and in English on its Facebook page, proving the “Taiwan can help” spirit.
While some universities in the West are boycotting Israel, Taiwan’s representative office in Tel Aviv has instead recently announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Taiwan Fellowship, which was established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan to promote academic cooperation. In May, the Friends of Israel Alliance in Taiwan also held a “Love is Real” concert in central Taipei to demonstrate the friendship between the two countries.
After the Iranian strikes against Israel, a Knesset delegation from Israel traveled to Taiwan. Boaz Toporovsky, chairman of the Taiwan-Israel Friendship Group, said the delegation appreciated Taiwan’s support in the wake of the Iranian attacks. “We saw that Taiwan stood with us,” he said.
Following the inaugural speech of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, in which Taiwan's sovereignty was asserted, Toporovsky further tweeted: “We look forward to collaborating with your administration to strengthen Taiwan-Israel relations.”
Meanwhile, Israel-Taiwan economic relations are growing and, all over the country, Israeli kids’ favorite drink is Taiwan-originated bubble tea. In a time of war, in which many countries in the West are trying to boycott Israel, it is comforting to know that Taiwan has remained on Israel's side, showing that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
- Anna Mahjar-Barducci is a journalist and author residing in Jerusalem