Taiwan president, citing David and Goliath, tells AIPAC Israel is a model for defense

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, citing the biblical story of David and Goliath, said at a dinner hosted by the US pro-Israel lobby AIPAC that Israel is a model for Taiwan to learn from in strengthening its defenses.

Taiwan has been a strong backer of Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that triggered the war in Gaza. But Israel, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic relations with Taipei amid its longstanding tensions with China, which claims the democratically governed island as its own territory.

Attending the American Israel Public Affairs Committee dinner Monday night — the US group’s first delegation to the island — Lai said that Jewish people have suffered constant persecution over their history.

“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,” he said, in comments his office released on Tuesday.

Appeasement has never been the way to stop authoritarian governments, and the concept of peace through strength is a maxim that the Israeli, US and Taiwanese societies have abided by for years, Lai added.

“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.”

A warm welcome to @AIPAC’s 1st delegation to Taiwan. As we deepen strategic partnerships, invest in advanced tech & enhance our defense capabilities, we look forward to closer #Taiwan–#US–#Israel cooperation on security, trade & beyond, promoting peace across the Taiwan Strait. pic.twitter.com/wAGpVCEjwU

— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) October 28, 2025

According to Lai’s remarks, the AIPAC delegation numbered some 200 visitors, and included “leaders from politics, business, and other sectors of the United States.”

“As we deepen strategic partnerships, invest in advanced tech & enhance our defense capabilities, we look forward to closer Taiwan-US-Israel cooperation on security, trade & beyond, promoting peace across the Taiwan Strait,” the president posted on X.

Taiwan has a de facto embassy in Tel Aviv, while Israel has a similar representative office in Taipei. There is no similar arrangement between Taiwan and the Palestinians, with whom China has a close relationship. China recognized a Palestinian state in 1988.

Lai, who has also been courting conservative US media in an effort to win support from the White House, earlier this month announced a new multi-layered air defense system called T-Dome to defend itself against a possible future attack by Beijing.

Lai told the dinner that T-Dome had been inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as US President Donald Trump’s planned “Golden Dome” missile defense shield.

“I believe that trilateral Taiwan-US-Israel cooperation can help achieve regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said.

Lai and his government reject Beijing’s territorial claims on its land. Foreign minister Lin Chia-lung said on Tuesday he was not worried that US President Donald Trump, who is touring Asia, would “abandon” the island.