When Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwan’s 14th president in January 2016 with a landslide 56% of the vote, Israel gained a leader who had already declared her admiration for the Jewish state. The Democratic Progressive Party candidate, Taiwan’s first female president, brought to office a deep appreciation for Israel shaped by a 2013 visit.
A Transformative Visit#
During her 2013 trip to Israel, Tsai was struck by multiple facets of Israeli society. Upon returning to Taiwan, she published a glowing article in the island’s main newspaper, expressing wonder at how Israelis maintain normal lives despite the constant threat of terrorism.
She highlighted Israel’s high-tech industry, the civic engagement demonstrated during the 2011 social protests, and the determination of Israeli diplomats fighting for their country abroad. Taiwan, she wrote, could learn much from Israeli experience and philosophy.
Women in the IDF#
Tsai even posted a photograph on her Facebook page of an armed female Israeli soldier, expressing admiration for the level of women’s integration into Israeli society and security forces. This resonated with her own breakthrough as Taiwan’s first female president, reflecting shared values about gender equality in leadership.
Deepening Bilateral Ties#
The president maintained close relations with Simona Halperin, who served as head of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei from 2010 to 2015. During Halperin’s tenure, bilateral trade rose 9%, reaching $1.33 billion in 2014.
The two countries signed cooperation agreements covering industrial R&D, aviation, tourism, science and technology, customs affairs, environmental protection, education, sports, and youth exchanges. These agreements laid groundwork for the expanding Taiwan-Israel partnership that continues today.
Parallel Challenges, Shared Values#
Tsai saw Israel as more than a trade partner or diplomatic ally. She recognized parallel challenges: both Israel and Taiwan face existential security threats, partial international isolation, and pressure from larger hostile neighbors. Both invest heavily in technology and innovation as strategic assets.
Her admiration for Israel’s resilience under pressure would prove prescient. As president, Tsai faced increasing military intimidation from China while maintaining Taiwan’s democratic identity and technological edge—challenges not unlike those Israel confronts in its own region.
A Pro-Israel President#
Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency marked a high point in Taiwan-Israel relations. Her genuine enthusiasm for Israel, rooted in that 2013 visit, translated into warmer diplomatic ties, increased technological cooperation, and mutual support between two democracies facing authoritarian pressure.
Source: The Times of Israel