2 hours ago
Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 19:40 IST
President Lai said concept of peace through strength is a maxim that Israeli, US and Taiwanese societies have had for years.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te at the AIPAC meeting on Monday. (Lai Ching-te/X)
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has said Israel is a model for Taiwan to learn about strengthening its defences.
Citing the Biblical story of David versus Goliath for the need to stand up to authoritarianism, Lai said: “"The Taiwanese people often look to the example of the Jewish people when facing challenges to our international standing and threats to our sovereignty from China. The people of Taiwan have never become discouraged."
During a Monday night dinner in Taiwan of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Lai said that Jewish people have suffered constant persecution over their history.
Reuters quoted Lai as saying that appeasement has never been the way to stop authoritarian governments, and the concept of peace through strength is a maxim that Israeli, US and Taiwanese societies have had for years.
“Israel’s determination and capacity to defend its territory provides a valuable model for Taiwan. I have always believed that Taiwan needs to channel the spirit of David against Goliath in standing up to authoritarian coercion," he said, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
Taiwan has been a supporter of Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, though Tel Aviv does not have any formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.
Taiwan has a de facto embassy in Tel Aviv, while Israel has a similar representative office in Taipei.
Earlier this month, the Taiwanese President had announced a new multi-layered air defence system called “T-Dome" for defending itself against any future attack by China.
On Monday, he said that T-Dome was inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system and US President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome" missile defence shield.
“I believe that trilateral Taiwan-US-Israel cooperation can help achieve regional peace, stability, and prosperity," he said.
First Published:
October 28, 2025, 19:40 IST
News world Israel's Capacity To Defend Itself Is A Model For Taiwan: President Lai
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