TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) responded Tuesday (July 22) to allegations that its collaboration with Israel in settlement areas might breach international guidelines. The ministry emphasized that Taiwan's efforts focus strictly on humanitarian aid and health care assistance, not investment or commercial trade activities. Officials sought to clarify the nature of Taiwan's involvement amid growing international scrutiny over settlement-related cooperation.
The South China Morning Post reported that Taiwan pledged financial support to build a medical center in Israeli settlements, raising concerns about potential international law violations. MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) clarified that international prohibitions specifically target investment and trade activities in these disputed areas. The spokesperson sought to distinguish between commercial activities and humanitarian medical assistance programs that Taiwan provides globally.
Israeli legislator Ohad Tal visited Taiwan in May and praised the island's global humanitarian medical initiatives, calling Taiwan a crucial partner in public health cooperation. Taiwan and Israel have prioritized health care collaboration since signing a bilateral health cooperation agreement in 2006. Tal invited Taiwan's representative to Israel, Abby Lee (李雅萍), to discuss expanded cooperation opportunities between the two nations' medical sectors.
Hsiao highlighted Taiwan's commitment to the World Health Organization's principle of health without borders, despite the island not being a formal WHO member. Taiwan aims to provide humanitarian assistance to populations lacking adequate medical resources, reinforcing its role as an essential player in global health initiatives. The approach reflects Taiwan's broader strategy of participating in international humanitarian efforts despite diplomatic constraints limiting its formal organizational memberships. ◼