MOFA Minister Wu gives interview to Israeli newspaper Haaretz

2023/05/23

Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said May 12 that Taiwan will not be deterred by China’s opposition to the country strengthening relations with nations such as Israel.
 
Wu made the remarks during an interview with Jordyn Haime of Haaretz for an article titled “Taiwan Hoping for Closer Defense Ties with Israel, Minister Says” published May 17 by the Israeli newspaper.
 
According to Wu, Taiwan and Israel are both democracies with similar regional situations.Taiwan can  learn from the West Asian country’s experience in civil defense and technology, he said, adding that though defense cooperation can be sensitive, the two sides can conduct exchanges through think tanks or track two discussions before Taiwan sends any official delegations to Israel.
 
Wu additionally said that last year saw a tremendous increase in trade between Taiwan and Israel, making Taiwan the fourth-largest export market in Asia for the country. Although the like-minded partners both have economic relations with China, that should not be a limitation for pursuing stronger relations with each other, he added.
 
Democracies have realized that China is weaponizing trade to influence governments in Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Lithuania and elsewhere, Wu said, adding that the U.S. has been raising the international community’s awareness of the potential pitfalls of deep economic ties with China, as evidenced by House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s remarks during his recent visit to Israel.
 
The relationship between Taiwan and Israel is on an upward trajectory, the minister said, citing 32 joint agreements in areas spanning education, fintech, medical cooperation, science and technology, and working-holiday visas.
 
Going forward Taiwan will continue expanding official exchanges with Israel while deepening nongovernmental and informal collaboration on security issues, Wu said, adding that the government is dedicated to ensuring the values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights are not violated by malicious forces. 


Fuente: Noticias de Taiwan (https://noticias.nat.gov.tw/)