Thu Sep 19 01:27:00 UTC 2024: ## Taiwanese Firm Linked to Pagers Used in Hezbollah Attack, Defense Minister Says

**TAIPEI** – Taiwan’s national security team is closely monitoring the situation after a Taiwanese company was linked to the production of pagers used in a deadly attack targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed on Thursday.

The attack, which killed nine people on October 7th, saw thousands of pagers detonate across Lebanon. While Taiwan-based Gold Apollo denied manufacturing the devices, claiming they were made by a Budapest-based company under license, the incident has raised concerns in Taipei.

“My understanding is that at present the relevant national security bodies are paying great attention to this,” said Koo, without disclosing specific details.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has vowed retaliation against Israel, which has not taken responsibility for the attack. The incident is part of an ongoing escalation of tensions between the two groups since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023.

While Israel and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations, they maintain close unofficial ties. Taiwan was quick to condemn the October 7th attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants, offering strong support.

Asked about potential intelligence sharing between Taiwan and Israel, Koo clarified that no such relationship exists. Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang, however, emphasized that Taiwan seeks international cooperation focused on maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait, not “provocative actions outside the region.”

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