Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister, Francois Wu, recently made a previously undisclosed visit to Israel, according to three sources familiar with the trip, as Taiwan seeks to strengthen defense cooperation with Jerusalem.
Taiwan Seeks Defense Cooperation with Israel
Taiwan maintains limited formal diplomatic ties due to pressure from Beijing, which considers the island a province of China. Israel officially recognizes Beijing and not Taipei, and while senior Taiwanese diplomats travel internationally, visits to countries like Israel are infrequent.
Taiwan views Israel as a key democratic partner and voiced strong support following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, leading to increased engagement between the two nations.
The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Wu’s visit occurred in recent weeks, with two sources specifying it took place this month. Details regarding who Wu met with and the topics discussed, including potential discussions about Taiwan’s new T-Dome air defense system – modeled partly on Israel’s system – were not disclosed.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry did not comment on whether Wu visited Israel.
In a statement, the ministry said, “Taiwan and Israel share the values of freedom and democracy, and will continue to pragmatically promote mutually beneficial exchanges and cooperation” in areas such as trade, technology, and culture, welcoming further “mutually beneficial forms of cooperation.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
Wu previously served as Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Paris and is a prominent advocate for Taiwan internationally. His last public foreign trip was to the Berlin Security Conference on November 19.
Taiwan sees parallels between the military threats it faces from China and those experienced by Israel, which has clashed with neighbors including Iran. Earlier this year, Israel and Iran engaged in missile and air strikes, with Israel’s defense systems intercepting many threats.
China maintains close ties with the Palestinians and recognized a Palestinian state in 1988. Taiwan has stated it does not plan to recognize a Palestinian state.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated last month that “of course in terms of technology and defense there is mutual learning and some interactions” between Taiwan and Israel, noting the similarities between the T-Dome and Israel’s Iron Dome systems.
While similar, the systems differ. Israel’s multi-layered defense includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and US-made THAAD. The T-Dome aims to create a more efficient “sensor-to-shooter” mechanism, integrating existing systems like the US Patriot and Taiwan-made Sky Bow missiles and anti-aircraft guns.
Taiwan has a limited diplomatic presence in the Middle East, though both Taiwan and Israel maintain de facto embassies in Tel Aviv and Taipei, respectively.
Taiwan has been hosting Israeli officials and lawmakers. In October, Wu met with Yinon Aaroni, director general of Israel’s Welfare Ministry, and in September, President Lai Ching-te met with six Israeli lawmakers.
Lai also told a dinner in Taiwan of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in October that Israel’s defense capabilities provide a “valuable model” for Taiwan, referencing the Biblical story of David and Goliath.
Taiwan was indirectly involved in Israel’s attack on Hezbollah officials in Lebanon last year when exploding pagers used by Hezbollah carried the brand name of a Taiwanese company. Both Taiwan and Israel downplayed the incident’s impact on bilateral relations.
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