Israeli lawmaker presses for deeper ties with Taiwan

The meetings focused on expanding cooperation between Israel and Taiwan in economics, research, technology, and innovation, as well as broadening political and civilian collaboration.

By Amelie Botbol and Joshua Marks, JNS

Lawmaker Ohad Tal, co-chair of the Knesset Caucus for Strengthening Relations With Indo-Pacific Countries, held meetings with senior Taiwanese officials this past week during his second visit to the island democracy in the past year.

Tal met with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao; Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung; Roy Chun Lee, deputy director-general of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, one of Asia’s leading economic think tanks; and other senior officials.

The meetings focused on expanding cooperation between Israel and Taiwan in economics, research, technology, and innovation, as well as broadening political and civilian collaboration.

“The axis of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia threatens global stability and poses significant challenges to countries seeking to preserve freedom, stability, and prosperity,” Tal told JNS.

“Israel and Taiwan share deep common values and many mutual interests, and we must work together to create new alliances that will form a strong and meaningful alternative, reduce dependence on unstable actors and strengthen our independence and sovereignty,” he said.

Tal said he would continue working to strengthen ties between the two peoples “in every possible framework.”

In May, the Religious Zionism Party member led a cross-party delegation of Israeli lawmakers to Taiwan, meeting with Hsiao and top officials in a landmark diplomatic mission aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation.