China was swift to express indignation at a secret visit that was made in recent weeks by Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, François Wu, to Israel, as reported by Reuters, citing three unidentified sources.
In a strongly worded message sent by the Chinese Embassy in Israel, Beijing stressed that as far as China’s core interests, the Taiwan issue constitutes “a red line that cannot be crossed”. Beijing urged Israel to adhere to the “One China” policy, correct what it described as “wrong measures,” and stop sending “misleading signals” to pro-independence forces in Taiwan. It further warned that any misstep could negatively affect bilateral relations.
Taiwan maintains official diplomatic relations with only a small number of countries, due to pressure from Beijing, which considers the island part of its territory rather than an independent state. Israel does not officially recognize Taipei.
Nevertheless, Taiwan views Israel as an important democratic partner and extended strong support after the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza. Since then, contacts between the two sides have increased.
The sources declined to provide further details about the visit or whether Wu’s discussions in Israel touched on Taiwan’s new multi-layered air-defense system known as T-Dome. The system, unveiled by President Lai Ching-te in October, bears some similarity to Israel’s Iron Dome.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry refused to comment on whether Wu had traveled to Israel. In a statement, it simply noted that “Taiwan and Israel share the values of freedom and democracy and will effectively continue to work to strengthen cooperation and exchange of benefits” in fields such as trade, technology, and culture, adding that both sides welcome further forms of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Taiwan sees strong similarity between the military threat it faces from China and the threats facing Israel, which has engaged in clashes with neighboring states and Iran.
China, for its part, has strong relations with the Palestinians and had recognized a Palestinian state in 1988. Taiwan, by contrast, has said it does not intend to recognize a Palestinian state.
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said in Taipei last month that “there is an exchange of expertise and interactions in the fields of technology and defense” between Taiwan and Israel. He added that Israel has the Iron Dome system, while Taiwan has T-Dome.
Israel’s multi-layered missile-defense architecture includes the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow missiles, and the U.S. THAAD system.
T-Dome integrates existing systems such as U.S. Patriot missiles, Taiwan’s Sky Bow missiles, and anti-aircraft artillery.
Taiwan’s diplomatic footprint in the Middle East is limited, but Taiwan and Israel maintain de facto embassies in Tel Aviv and Taipei.
Taiwan, whose government rejects China’s sovereignty claims, also hosts Israeli officials and lawmakers.
