TAIPEI, March 3 (Reuters) - Taiwan supports the international community's efforts to help Iran's people pursue freedom and democracy and hopes that they can enjoy these things soon, the island's
Taiwan Voices Support for Iran’s Democratic Ambitions and Condemns Military Attacks
Taiwan’s Position on Iran, U.S., and Israel Amid Regional Tensions
Support for Democracy and Freedom in Iran
TAIPEI, March 3 (Reuters) - Taiwan supports the international community's efforts to help Iran's people pursue freedom and democracy and hopes that they can enjoy these things soon, the island's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, offering its backing to the U.S. and Israel.
Parallels Between Taiwan and Israel
Taiwanese leaders, including President Lai Ching-te, have drawn parallels between Israel's security situation and Taiwan's own, given the stepped-up military pressure that the Chinese-claimed island has faced from Beijing in recent years.
Strengthening Ties with Israel
Taiwan views Israel as an important democratic partner and offered strong support to the country after the October 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel and subsequent war in Gaza. Since then, there has been an increased level of engagement.
Taiwan’s Response to Military Actions in the Region
Official Statements on U.S. and Israeli Actions
Asked whether Taiwan's government supported the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei said that Taiwan is a member of the international democratic community.
"We support the international community's efforts to help the Iranian people pursue freedom and democracy and we hope the Iranian people can soon enjoy freedom, democracy and human rights," he said.
Condemnation of Iran’s Military Attacks
Taiwan also condemns Iran's recent "indiscriminate military attacks," Hsiao added, referring to Iran's missile and drone attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries.
Diplomatic Relations and Security Alliances
Statements from Taiwanese Officials
Speaking at Parliament earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu, who made a secret trip to Israel late last year, said the U.S. and Israel wanted to "eliminate terrorism."
"Of course, the U.S. and Israel are both allies of Taiwan's," Wu added.
Current Diplomatic Status
Relations with the U.S. and Israel
Taiwan has no formal diplomatic ties with either Israel or the U.S., though Washington has long been Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier.
Relations with Iran
Taiwan has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since Tehran recognised the People's Republic of China in 1971.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)
