After arguing its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, South Africa won praise for standing up for Palestinians under Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
A former doctor with a humble background, Mr. Lai is seen as more attuned to the mood of Taiwan’s people than to the perilous nuances of dealing with Beijing.
The United Nations’ highest judicial body held two days of hearings this week in a case by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.