In Ambassador Cai Run's recent interview with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Ambassador Cai talked about the important achievements and experiences in China-Israel relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago, envisioned the bright prospects of bilateral relations, and elaborated on China’s principled position on China-US relations, the Iranian nuclear issue, and the Palestinian issue. The full text is as follows:

1.What is your impression of the country since becoming Chinese Ambassador to Israel?

I arrived in Israel on January 22, 2021 as the ninth Chinese ambassador to this country. In more than a year since then, I’ve been to many places and made many friends to promote China-Israel cooperation. The longer I stay, the greater, more unique charm I find of this country.

In Israel I marvel at the Jewish people’s splendid culture and history that spanned thousands of years, where every inch of the land bears ancient stories. I become enchanted by the country’s diverse landscapes, natural splendor, and the scenic views of the Mediterranean. I’m impressed that Israel, known as the “state of innovation”, boasts advanced science, technology and innovation industries that lead to bright development prospects. I feel deeply not only the local people’s hospitality, but also their friendliness toward the Chinese people, as well as the enormous potential for China-Israel cooperation.

2.What significant achievements have been made since Israel and China established diplomatic ties 30 years ago? What can we learn from the experience? 

On January 24, 1992, China and Israel established diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level and opened a new chapter in the relations between the two countries and peoples. In 2022, China and Israel celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. In November 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with President Isaac Herzog. Both leaders agreed to take the 30th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen the China-Israel relations. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged congratulatory messages respectively with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan co-chaired the fifth meeting of China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation (JCIC) with Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. The meeting achieved a series of important cooperation outcomes. The two countries also held a lot of celebration activities. In a joyful atmosphere, people from all walks of life talked about our traditional friendship, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Israel, and envisioned the future of the bilateral cooperation. 

Over the past 30 years, with joint efforts made by leaders and peoples of both countries, China-Israel relations have maintained healthy and stable development, cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.

The past 30 years have witnessed ever-increasing political mutual trust. Leaders of the two countries have maintained close interaction, and friendly exchanges have been carried out at all levels. We established the China-Israel Intergovernmental Mechanism of Economic and Technological Cooperation and the China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation (JCIC). In 2017, we launched the China-Israel Innovative Comprehensive Partnership, reaching a new level of bilateral ties. 

The past 30 years have witnessed vigorous development of mutually beneficial cooperation. The bilateral trade volume has increased from $50 million in 1992 to $22.8 billion in 2021. China became Israel’s largest trading partner in Asia and the second-largest in the world. Companies from the two sides have cooperated in such landmark projects as the new port of Haifa, the Red Line of the Tel Aviv Light Rail, the China-Israel Changzhou Innovation Park, and the China-Israel (Shanghai) Innovation Park, making innovation cooperation a highlight and a driving force for bilateral relations.

The past 30 years have witnessed flourishing people-to-people exchanges. The two countries opened direct flights between the Israeli city of Tel Aviv and the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hong Kong. In 2019, 170,000 visits were made by Chinese tourists to Israel and around 100,000 by Israelis to China. There are now 26 pairs of sister cities between China and Israel. During the fight against COVID-19, the Chinese and Israeli people have been helping each other amid difficult times, demonstrating vividly “a friend in need is a friend indeed”. The Israeli athletes actively participated in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. By celebrating the Olympic events together, the Chinese and Israeli people further deepened our friendship.

History is a mirror that illuminates the present and the future. Over the past three decades, the China-Israel relationship managed to withstand the test of the changing international landscape, and kept growing sound and steady. This brings us much valuable experience that is worth carrying forward. First, it benefits from the traditional friendship. The Chinese and Jewish people have been respecting and supporting each other, laying a historical and emotional foundation for China-Israel relations. Second, it benefits from mutual respect. Different historic traditions and national realities shouldn’t be an impediment to bilateral relations between China and Israel. We need to stick to basic norms governing international relations such as mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, laying a more solid political foundation for bilateral ties. Third, it benefits from mutually beneficial cooperation. China and Israel share similar visions and complementary strengths, and we have every reason to achieve win-win results.

3.How do you envision China-Israel relations and cooperation in the next decade? What are the opportunities and challenges?

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Israel, an important year in our bilateral relations. As the Chinese sage Confucius once said, “A man should be steadfast at the age of thirty.” The Talmud also regards 30 as the most energetic age in life. The two peoples share the desire to promote the continuous development of China-Israel relations. Looking ahead to the next decade and beyond, China-Israel relations has promising prospects. 

We should continue to increase strategic mutual trust. There is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and Israel, nor are there any outstanding historical issues. We need to intensify exchanges at all levels and deepen communication and political mutual trust, and look at our bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective. No matter how the international landscape may change, we must stick to the right direction of bilateral relations and not let floating clouds block our vision. The key to friendship must be held in our own hands.

We should focus on expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. China is committed to basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035 and building a great modern socialist country in all respects by 2050. China is promoting the creation a new development paradigm and will continue the momentum of rapid economic development. The vast market consisting of 1.4 billion people, including more than 400 million in the middle-income bracket, will release its full potential, bringing more opportunities to China-Israel cooperation. Meanwhile, Israel’s development is full of vitality, and its prospects attracts much attention. The cooperation between China and Israel is mutually beneficial, win-win and promising. We are more than capable of drawing on each other's strength to achieve common development.  

We should consolidate our traditional friendship. Though thousands of miles apart, exchanges between the Chinese and Jewish people can date back to a thousand years ago, leaving many unforgettable and touching stories. During the Second World War, Chinese people lent a helping hand to Jewish refugees. the Jewish people also supported our struggle for national independence and resistance against foreign aggression, as well as the economic development of the People’s Republic of China. Amity between the peoples holds the key to good relations between countries. Our traditional friendship and similarities in the Chinese and Jewish cultures are valuable assets that should be consolidated constantly. We should take the 30th anniversary as an opportunity to increase exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, tourism, sports and other areas to cement the basis of our friendship.

I’m convinced that with joint efforts of the both sides, China-Israel relations in the next decade is bound to move towards a better tomorrow.

4.How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact China-Israel relations?

The COVID-19 pandemic created some obstacles to personnel exchanges between China and Israel, but the development of bilateral relations and people-to-people communications have never been interrupted.

The leaders of the two countries have maintained close exchanges via phone calls and letters, guiding the development direction of bilateral relations. The two countries held online activities such as China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation (JCIC), drawing a new blueprint and injecting new impetus for bilateral practical cooperation. The two sides are also trying to overcome the impact of the pandemic and gradually resuming face-to-face exchanges. 

In the context of the pandemic, a common challenge for all mankind, China and Israel from all walks of life have been supporting and assisting each other to overcome the difficulties together. Israeli leaders and all sectors of society expressed their sympathy and support for China’s fight against the pandemic, the Tel Aviv City Hall lit up with “Chinese red” to express blessings. China has provided assistance and facilitation for Israel to purchase and transport medicines and supplies in China. 

Bilateral trade volume increased significantly despite the serious impact to global trade caused by the pandemic. According to statistics of the Chinese side, the trade volume between China and Israel rose to $17.54 billion in 2020, increased by 18.8 percent year-on-year, and then grew 30 percent to $22.8 billion in 2021. Both China’s exports to Israel and Israel’s exports to China are in growth. This fully illustrates the resilience and potential of China-Israel cooperation.

I believe that personnel exchanges between China and Israel at all levels will be more active, the friendship between the two peoples will be further deepened, and the results of practical cooperation in various fields will be more fruitful. 

5.How do you view the impact of China-US relations to China-Israel cooperation?

China’s diplomacy is committed to fostering a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for mankind, and China stands ready to join hands with other countries to take a new approach to developing state-to-state relations featuring win-win cooperation.

Mutual benefit and win-win results are the essence of China-Israel cooperation, which is conducive to the development of both countries and beneficiary to both peoples. China-Israel cooperation features mutual respect, equality, and win-win spirit. It's an independent and voluntary choice that doesn't target any third party, and nor should it be affected by any third party.

6.Will the strengthening of ties between China and Iran affect China-Israel relations? How does the Chinese side view Iran’s role in the region and the prospect of the Iranian nuclear issue?

China keeps friendly relations with all countries in the Middle East region. China and Iran maintain normal state-to-state relations, and exchanges between the two countries are not targeted at any third party. China understands Israel's legitimate security concerns, believes that Israel's right to existence and development should be earnestly respected, and opposes any words or deeds that lead to escalation. China supports regional countries in improving their relations and maintaining regional peace and stability.

Currently, relevant parties are coming close to resume compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA is not perfect and cannot solve issues beyond the Iranian nuclear program, but it could serve as a starting point for solving other issues. The vast majority of the international community believes that maintaining and implementing the JCPOA is the only effective means to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. The JCPOA has been endorsed by United Nations Security Council resolution, and supporting the JCPOA also concerns the authority of international law. China maintains that, while safeguarding the effectiveness and authority of the JCPOA, the relevant sides can discuss and resolve legitimate concerns and promote common security by establishing other channels of communication and dialogue. China will always play its role as a responsible major country, and China is committed to promoting the lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

7.How does China play its constructive role on the Palestinian issue?

As a responsible major country, China has always been endorsing the Middle East peace process and making constructive efforts to promote peace and facilitate talks on the Palestinian issue. Over the past year, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has put forward a five-point initiative on achieving security and stability in the Middle East and a three-point vision on materializing the two-state solution. Last July, China hosted the fourth Palestine-Israel Peace Symposium, during which State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a speech, providing a platform for Palestine-Israeli peace advocates to communicate, with a view to exploring the road to peace and pursuing the way of coexistence. In March this year, the Chinese government’s Special Envoy Zhai Jun on the Middle East issue visited Israel and Palestine, and had in-depth communication with both sides. China supports the holding of an international peace conference led by the UN with the participation of the permanent members of the UN Security Council and all stakeholders of the Middle East peace process.

English transcript:

https://www.inss.org.il/publication/interview-china-ambassador/

Hebrew transcript:

https://www.inss.org.il/he/publication/interview-china-ambassador/