Sino-Israeli relations moving beyond traditional strategic obstacles

By Gedaliah Afterman Source:Global Times Published: 2012-8-21 21:35:03

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel. The recent news that the two countries have signed an agreement to build a strategically important railway line connecting the southern Israeli port of Eilat on the Red Sea to the Mediterranean signifies the ongoing development of the Sino-Israeli relationship.

Despite the steady progress in recent years, observers of the Sino-Israeli relationship regularly point to a number of challenges that have prevented the relationship from realizing its full potential.

Historically, China and Israel are strategically incompatible. China, a leading importer of Middle East oil and gas resources, has traditionally adopted non-aligned movement perspectives, backed Arab positions in the international arena, and has been reluctant to get too involved in the political complexities of the region.

Israel, a small country with no historical natural resources, has traditionally focused on the West and depended on the US and Europe as its main economic and strategic partners.

After a honeymoon period based largely on military cooperation, the challenging elements of the relationship became apparent in 2000 when Israel was forced to cancel a deal to supply China with the Phlacon surveillance system thanks to intense US pressure.

A similar scenario unfolded in 2004 over the sale of Israeli-made Harpy drones to Beijing.

Yet recent developments in the international and regional arena could see some of these dynamics change, and present an opportunity for both sides to develop a more robust foundation for their bilateral relationship.

China's dramatic rise on the international stage means there are few international issues in which China does not have a role to play. China's rise and its need to secure its regional interests could engender a growing Chinese presence in the greater Middle East.

In the context of the Israel-China relationship, however, recent developments in the Middle East should be viewed as an opportunity for both sides to strengthen bonds and expand cooperation. 

A string of recent high-level visits in both directions including a first-ever visit by Chinese military chief Chen Bingde to Israel and by Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz to Beijing, seems to indicate China views Israel as a relatively stable anchor in an increasingly turbulent neighborhood.

A Chinese reconsideration of its involvement in the Middle East could also mean that China may be more willing than in the past to play a role in the Middle East peace process.

Israel, for its part, is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the East and of China in particular. 

This process will likely continue, especially as the economies of Europe and the US continue to falter. China too is displaying growing interest in Israeli hi-tech and innovation in light of its growing needs and rapid development.

For strategic understanding and trust to be enhanced between Israel and China, it is important that the stream of high-level visits in both directions continue and even increase. Additional bilateral mechanisms such as senior-level strategic and economic dialogues should also be established.

A step in the right direction toward increased understanding at the government and academic levels should be the establishment of a semi-official annual track 1.5 dialogue. Building on existing efforts, such a dialogue would see a select group of leading academics and former officials from both countries convene in Beijing and Jerusalem for regular discussions. 

Stronger relations between China and Israel shouldn't be based on just strategic or trade interests alone, but should build upon the unique cultural and people-to-people elements both cultures share. Many Chinese are familiar with and admire Jewish culture, intellect and history. 

The Sino-Israeli relationship is currently at a crossroads.

The changing international environment provides both countries an opportunity to overcome the challenges of the past and establish a solid basis for cooperation in the future. If acted upon, this opening will yield significant dividends for both countries.



The author is a fellow and head of the China Program at the Jewish People Policy Institute in Jerusalem. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn



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