As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens — with more than 38,000 Palestinians reported dead and the UN warning of “catastrophic hunger” — the US continues to provide Israel with weapons, diplomatic cover and near-unquestioned support.
For observers in Taiwan, this is not just a Middle East tragedy. It is a warning.
For decades, Taiwan has relied on the US for diplomatic backing, arms sales and international legitimacy in the face of Chinese pressure. That support has often been described as rooted in shared democratic values. Taiwan is portrayed as a responsible global actor and a like-minded ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, the Gaza war raises an uncomfortable question: What actually determines the US’ loyalty to its partners? Is it shared values and responsible behavior — or emotional narratives and domestic political alliances?
The US-Israel relationship has long been driven not just by strategy, but by cultural identification. Israel is viewed by many Americans as a biblical ally, a redemptive democracy and a symbol of moral purpose after the Holocaust. That emotional connection has made US policy toward Israel remarkably resilient — even when it comes at the expense of international law, humanitarian concerns or the US’ global reputation.
Taiwan should care because this pattern reveals that US support is not always based on conduct. It can be shaped by identity, history and domestic politics. Israel has become part of the US’ national story. Taiwan — despite being a democracy under constant pressure — is not.
If that is the reality, Taiwan should plan accordingly. We cannot take the US’ support for granted. A change in Washington’s political landscape, a rise in US isolationism or a shift in global priorities could easily leave Taiwan more vulnerable than many assume.
To be clear, this is not a call to abandon the Taiwan-US partnership. It is a call for clarity. Taiwan must understand what drives American decisionmaking, and invest in its own resilience, diplomacy and alliances — beyond slogans and sentiment.
The moral weight of “democracy versus authoritarianism” only works if the US applies it consistently.
Taiwan’s best defense lies in facts, not fantasies. We need continued US support — but it must be earned through strategy, deterrence and mutual interest, not romantic illusions.
The people of Gaza are suffering, but so is the US’ reputation. If Taiwan wants to avoid the same fate, we must learn the right lessons from today’s tragedy.
Simon Tang is an adjunct professor at California State University, Fullerton, who lectures on international relations.
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