China ignores Taiwan envoy in Israel's Holocaust memorial event

The annual event is attended by Holocaust survivors, local dignitaries, and foreign diplomats posted in Israel including Taiwan envoy to Israel Abby Lee among its speakers on May 6.

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A Chinese delegation walked out of a Holocaust memorial event in the Israeli city of Haifa in protest after Taiwan’s envoy to Israel delivered a speech, Taiwan News reported citing CNA.

The annual event is attended by Holocaust survivors, local dignitaries, and foreign diplomats posted in Israel including Taiwan envoy to Israel Abby Lee among its speakers on May 6.

According to Taiwan News, the Chinese delegation reportedly only found out about her presence after they arrived at the event. They immediately protested with the organizers, asking for Lee to leave.

However, the demand of the Chinese delegates was turned down, leading them to walk out in the middle of proceedings. Organizer Shimon Sebag told Israeli media that everybody was welcome at the commemoration.

All groups, all religions, and politicians from all parties were welcome, Sebag said. The Chinese group told him they would leave, and within a minute, they stood up and walked out, he said, as per Taiwan News.

Earlier in the day, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence issued a statement on Saturday revealing that a significant presence of Chinese military aircraft and vessels has been detected in the vicinity of Taiwan.