Beijing says Israeli lawmaker Taiwan visits violate one-China policy
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The Chinese embassy describes the Israeli lawmaker's actions and remarks as severely damaging to bilateral relations, labeling him a "troublemaker".
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Lai Ching-te meets with a delegation led by "Israel"-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group chair Boaz Toporovsky (Photo sourced from the Office of the President of Taiwan’s official website)
Beijing has denounced repeated visits by Israeli parliamentarian Boaz Toporovsky to Taiwan, accusing him of eroding the political foundation of ties between China and "Israel".
During his latest trip last week, Toporovsky, a member of the Yesh Atid party and head of the "Israel"-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group, met with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te, who praised the Knesset for supporting Taipei’s international participation.
In response, China’s embassy in Tel Aviv issued a sharp statement on Sunday, stressing that Toporovsky had "blatantly and repeatedly violated" the one-China policy recognized by the Israeli government. The embassy described his actions and remarks as severely damaging to bilateral relations, labeling him a "troublemaker".
A spokesperson added that the lawmaker’s credibility had been "completely eroded" and warned him against challenging China’s sovereignty. "If he does not rein in at the brink of the precipice, he will be shattered," the statement read.
Chinese ambassador to "Israel" Xiao Junzheng later shared the warning on social media.
Series of confrontations
Toporovsky’s visit was his second to Taiwan this year, following a trip in April where he met with Lai’s deputy, Hsiao Bi-khim. In July, the Chinese embassy lodged a protest after Toporovsky and other Knesset members backed Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and other international bodies.
Beijing considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory and has vowed reunification, by force if necessary. While most countries, including the US, do not formally recognize Taiwan, Washington supplies Taipei with military support and opposes any forced reunification.
The joint communique establishing diplomatic ties between Beijing and Tel Aviv explicitly affirmed the one-China principle.
War on Gaza strains China-'Israel' relations
Toporovsky’s Taiwan outreach comes at a time when Beijing has adopted a tougher stance on "Israel" amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. On Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated support for the Palestinian people’s "just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights," calling for an immediate ceasefire and a "two-state solution".
He condemned "Israel's" assault on Gaza City, its strikes during negotiations, and its expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank as "grave violations of international law."
"No country can build its own security on the insecurity of others," Wang stated during talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Beijing.
Taiwan-'Israel' ties
While "Israel" officially upholds the one-China policy, it maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan through representative offices opened in 1993. Bilateral trade reached $2.67 billion in 2022, with growing cooperation in high-tech and semiconductors, a field where Taiwan leads in manufacturing, while "Israel" leads in R&D and chip design.
Taiwan has also expressed political support for "Israel", particularly after October 7, pledging aid and deepening ties with Knesset delegations. President Lai Ching-te has publicly hosted Israeli officials, including Toporovsky, strengthening symbolic political engagement.
At the same time, Taiwan has witnessed a minority but persistent pro-Palestine movement since October 2023, led by coalitions such as the Taiwan Alliance for a Free Palestine. These groups, supported by human rights organizations, labor unions, and migrant communities, have organized rallies, protests, and demonstrations at major political and defense venues across Taipei.
