Taiwan used its National Day reception in Tel Aviv to push closer trade and tech ties with Israel, a mildly positive sign for both countries' business links at a time when Taiwan faces growing pressure from China.

• Eight Israeli mayors joined the event, including one from Raanana, a sister city of Taiwan's Tainan.
• Taiwan's representative in Israel, Li Ya-ping, said the two sides are working to link up their industries and grow trade.
• The pitch centered on combining Taiwan's and Israel's strengths in advanced technology to lead in artificial intelligence.
• Nearly 200 guests attended, including diplomats, officials, researchers, business leaders and Taiwanese business owners in Israel.
• Taiwan framed its position as proof that democracies can hold firm under authoritarian pressure, while calling itself a key partner for supply chain security.

Outlook: Expect more official visits and trade talks between Taiwan and Israel, with technology and AI cooperation as the main focus.