I am greatly honored to be appointed by President Xi Jinping as the 10th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel. I would like to send my best regards and extend my heartfelt gratitude to friends across the Israeli society who have given care and support to the development of China-Israel relations over the years.
Though located thousands of miles apart at different ends of the Asian continent, China and Israel have enjoyed sound and stable development in bilateral relations since the diplomatic ties were established more than 30 years ago, and significant outcomes have been gained through friendly exchanges and cooperation.
It can be attributed to the traditional friendship passed down from generation to generation. The Chinese and Jewish people each possess a long history and an ancient civilization, and enjoy a time-honored friendship that continues to flourish. There has never been antisemitism in China. During the Second World War, the two peoples supported each other, and Chinese cities of Shanghai, Harbin and Tianjin accommodated a large number of Jewish refugees, leaving many touching stories worth memorizing.
It can be attributed to the wisdom of seeking common ground while shelving differences. There is no direct and fundamental conflict of interests between China and Israel, nor are there any outstanding historical issues. We differ in culture, tradition, development stages, ideologies, and social systems, and we don't always have the same views on some issues. Despite that, during the exchanges, China and Israel have all along strictly abided by the basic norms governing international relations, including mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Israel reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle on many occasions. All those efforts have been conducive in keeping the bilateral relations in the right direction.
It can be attributed to the spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation. In 2017, China and Israel established Innovative Comprehensive Partnership. Both sides leverage respective advantages to achieve common development. Before coming to Israel, I paid a visit to the Changzhou Innovation Park and the Shanghai Innovation Park, and felt vividly the robust vitality of China-Israel innovation cooperation. After my arrival in Israel, I saw how popular the Chinese electric vehicles are in this country, and deeply believed that our win-win cooperation had broad prospects and tremendous possibilities.
Led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), China is advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese path to modernization. According to the strategic plans laid out in the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, China is making efforts to comprehensively deepen reforms, open up at a higher level, and achieve high-quality development. China's new development will bring new opportunities to Israel and all other countries around the world, and open up more possibilities for the China-Israel relations.
I have long been working on China's diplomacy on the Middle East, and thus deeply understand the value of peace. The first Hebrew word I encountered is "Shalom", which not only serves as a greeting but also carries the Jewish people's long desire for peace since ancient times. China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind. China actively advocates and is ready to work with all countries in delivering on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Following the situation between Israel and Lebanon, China welcomes the agreement reached by relevant parties on a ceasefire, and supports all the efforts conducive to easing tensions and achieving peace. As a friend to all Middle Eastern countries, China sincerely hopes for an early end to the fighting, the peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine, and between the Jewish and Arab people. China will continue playing a constructive role in fostering peace between Israel and Palestine, and promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Chinese often suggest taking a long view. China-Israel friendship is featured with solid foundation and complementary strengths in win-win cooperation. Our bilateral relationship is characterized with various dimensions, sufficient resilience, and broad prospects. As long as both sides consolidate confidence, work in joint hands, and look at and advance the bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, there will surely be a brighter future for China-Israel relations. As a Chinese saying goes, "Small streams can gradually converge into a broad river, and tiny flames can eventually become a great wildfire." I look forward to keeping close communication and having candid discussions with friends across the Israeli society, so as to increase mutual trust and jointly promote cooperation. Together, we will embrace the steady and sustained growth of China-Israel relations that continuously make new progress.
Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.
