ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the relatively unexplored relations between Israel and Taiwan. Its overarching objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of how the fluctuating relationship between Jerusalem and Taipei has developed against the backdrop of the complex geopolitical circumstances within which it has grown. Starting with a historical review of the relations, the chapter proceeds with an analysis examining the evolution of Israel-Taiwan ties from the establishment of Representation Offices in the early 1990s. In so doing, it classifies the last three decades into three stages: the “transition” period (1993–2007); the “honeymoon” period (2008–15); and the “it’s complicated” period (2016–present day). Examining the exogenous and endogenous factors that have influenced Israel-Taiwan ties, the chapter not only shows the decisive impact of China on the development of bilateral relations but offers another significant perspective on China-Israel relations.
