Taiwan President Calls Israel’s Defense Strategy a Model Against Authoritarianism

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has hailed Israel as a critical model for Taiwan’s national defense, praising the Jewish state's military capabilities and spirit of resistance in the face of existential threats. In remarks released Tuesday, Lai likened Taiwan’s situation with China to the biblical story of David and Goliath emphasizing the need to stand firm against authoritarian coercion.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Taiwan on Monday night, Lai reaffirmed his admiration for Israel’s defense strategies, specifically highlighting the Iron Dome missile defense system. He revealed that Taiwan’s recently announced “T-Dome” air defense project drew direct inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome and the U.S. missile shield concept dubbed “Golden Dome” by former President Donald Trump.

“Israel’s determination and capacity to defend its territory provides a valuable model for Taiwan,” Lai said. “I have always believed that Taiwan needs to channel the spirit of David against Goliath in standing up to authoritarian coercion.”

Lai’s comments reflect a deepening symbolic and strategic alignment between Taiwan and Israel, even as the two nations lack formal diplomatic relations. Taiwan has maintained a de facto embassy in Tel Aviv for years, and Israel operates a similar representative office in Taipei. While Israel refrains from officially recognizing Taiwan to preserve ties with China, informal relations remain warm and grounded in shared democratic values.

Taiwan has been outspoken in its support for Israel, especially since the 2023 Hamas-led attack that launched the war in Gaza. Lai referenced the Jewish people’s historic suffering, drawing parallels with Taiwan’s own struggles to maintain international standing and sovereignty in the face of growing Chinese pressure.

“The Taiwanese people often look to the example of the Jewish people when facing challenges,” Lai stated. “Appeasement has never been the way to stop authoritarian governments. Peace through strength is a belief shared by Israel, the U.S., and Taiwan.”

Lai is actively engaging conservative American media and political circles to bolster U.S. backing for Taiwan, amid fears that Beijing could escalate military tensions in the region. His administration has prioritized building a robust, multi-layered defense architecture to counter growing Chinese military threats.

The T-Dome system, revealed earlier this month, is aimed at defending against aerial attacks similar to those Israel routinely confronts. Taiwanese defense planners are reportedly studying Israel’s experience in integrating rapid-response air defense with civil readiness and strategic depth tools that have helped Israel withstand years of asymmetric warfare.

Taiwan’s firm stand against Chinese claims of sovereignty remains central to Lai’s presidency. He and his foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, have voiced confidence that Washington, especially under Trump’s current leadership, will not abandon the island. “I believe that trilateral Taiwan-U.S.-Israel cooperation can help achieve regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” Lai told AIPAC attendees.

As democratic allies face growing authoritarian threats from Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing, Taiwan and Israel find themselves linked not only by shared values but by practical defense challenges that call for innovation, vigilance, and unity.

Israel’s steadfast defense doctrine and technological excellence continue to inspire nations committed to safeguarding liberty. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on Israel’s role in global security and diplomacy.