Taiwan Opens Fire on Palestine and Flirts with Israel.. Has It Abandoned Neutrality?

SadaNews - In a surprising move that raised eyebrows, Taiwan issued unprecedented statements towards Palestine, describing it as "very bad for us," while expressing its desire to deepen relations with Israel, despite international criticism directed at the latter due to its war in Gaza.

The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country wishes to deepen its relations with Israel despite the criticisms related to its war in Gaza, noting that Israel "has shown support for Taiwan that exceeds what other countries in the Middle East have provided."

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told reporters, "We will be friendly towards countries that reach out to us."

He pointed out that an announcement signed by 72 members of the Israeli parliament earlier this year to support Taiwan's inclusion in major international organizations "is an example of Israel's support for Taiwan."

Lin considered that "Palestine is very bad for Taiwan, as it aligns with the one-China principle adopted by Beijing, which states that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of it."

The minister said during a meeting organized by the Foreign Correspondents Club in Taiwan: "Human rights and national interests must align together."

The Taiwanese government faced criticism earlier this year for its plans to donate to a medical center in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, while the International Court of Justice ruled last year that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, is illegal.

When asked to confirm whether Taipei had abandoned its plan to donate to the West Bank, Lin did not provide a definitive answer, merely stating that Taiwan prioritizes humanitarian support in the Gaza war, and that Taiwanese diplomats have been instructed not to interfere in the conflict.