The People?s Republic of China sent an official delegation to Israel this past week to participate in ceremonies marking ten years of bilateral relations. Chan Hausu, Chairman of China?s Friendship Association with Foreign Countries, headed the delegation. Similar ceremonies to mark the anniversary are scheduled to take place in the Chinese capital of Beijing in January.
While China was initially hostile to the Jewish State, formal relations were opened following the 1991 Madrid Conference. Sine then, China has developed its relationship with Israel very rapidly, with Israeli high-technology weapons and joint development projects taking on great importance for the Asian superpower. In contrast, China has given little material support to the Palestinian Authority over the years, satisfying itself with formal support for self-determination for the Arabs under PA jurisdiction.
While China was initially hostile to the Jewish State, formal relations were opened following the 1991 Madrid Conference. Sine then, China has developed its relationship with Israel very rapidly, with Israeli high-technology weapons and joint development projects taking on great importance for the Asian superpower. In contrast, China has given little material support to the Palestinian Authority over the years, satisfying itself with formal support for self-determination for the Arabs under PA jurisdiction.