Tensions over China-Israel relations escalated Friday as Beijing rebuked Israeli lawmakers for backing Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations. The Chinese Embassy in Israel strongly objected to a statement issued by 72 Knesset members that advocated Taiwan’s participation in groups like the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
According to the embassy, the statement openly violated the one-China principle, a core element of China-Israel relations. Moreover, officials stressed that Taiwan’s engagement in international affairs must align with Beijing’s sovereignty claims. They accused the lawmakers of aligning with “Taiwan independence” forces, warning that their actions risked damaging bilateral ties.
In addition, Chinese officials questioned the lawmakers’ understanding of the political implications. They claimed Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) uses international participation as a cover to promote separatism. Furthermore, Beijing warned that supporting Taiwan in global forums fuels instability in the Taiwan Strait.
Specifically, Beijing singled out lawmakers Boaz Toporovsky and Ohad Tal, who recently visited Taiwan. The embassy criticized their public references to Taiwan as a “country,” calling the behavior contradictory to Israel’s official one-China policy. It questioned whether they had misled fellow legislators when gathering support for the statement.
“The Taiwan issue touches China’s sovereignty and the emotions of 1.4 billion people,” the embassy emphasized. Additionally, they warned Israeli lawmakers not to underestimate China’s resolve to protect its territorial integrity.
In its response, the embassy also challenged the claim that Taiwan shares democratic values with Israel. It accused Taiwan’s DPP government of suppressing dissent, labeling the leadership’s behavior a form of “green terror.”
Therefore, Beijing urged the lawmakers to reconsider their stance and focus on promoting positive China-Israel relations. They argued that siding with Taiwan’s authorities undermines mutual interests and the Israeli public’s expectations.
As global power dynamics shift, China continues to pressure countries and institutions that support Taiwan’s international visibility. Ultimately, Friday’s statement highlights growing diplomatic friction between Beijing and Jerusalem, with long-term consequences still unclear for China-Israel relations.
