Can China, Israel work around Gaza rift with trade, tech links?

Two years ago, the war in Gaza triggered a chill in diplomatic ties between China and Israel, once described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “a marriage made in heaven”.

But Beijing and Tel Aviv appear now to have restored some balance in the relationship, driven by a shared interest in maintaining trade and technological links.

However, observers warn that the fallout from the Gaza crisis, combined with a growing rivalry between China and the US – Israel’s closest ally – could further complicate the path forward.

Since taking office last November, China’s ambassador to Israel, Xiao Junzheng, has been actively fostering goodwill by visiting prominent joint infrastructure projects, including the Tel Aviv light rail Green Line, where Chinese construction firms have played a key role.

He has also toured a container terminal in the port city of Haifa, a move that raised security concerns in Washington.

Construction workers at a section of the Tel Aviv light rail Green Line. Photo: Xinhua

During meetings with senior Israeli officials and academics, Xiao stressed the importance of continuing technology and trade cooperation, which was established in 2017 under a comprehensive innovative partnership.

South China Morning Post