Ten years ago this month China established diplomatic relations with Israel. Marking the anniversary, Chinese President Ziang Zhemin wrote a letter addressed to President Moshe Katsav expressing China?s best wishes for a continued relationship. China, according to the Chinese leader?s letter, attaches great significance to the friendly and cooperative bilateral relationship that has developed over the past ten years. ?Since establishing diplomatic ties,? Zhemin wrote, ?the friendly and cooperative relations between our two nations, based on mutual respect, equality and mutual interests, have developed without any hindrances.?
As an indication of the increasing relations between Israel and China, the Bezeq Communications Company has aroused the interest of a Chinese communications corporation, Hutchison Communications. Partners in the Chinese company have already met with Communications Minister Reuven Rivlin to discuss the Israeli plans to privatize Bezeq. Currently, Hutchison holds a controlling interest in the Partner cellular phone company. Therefore, local anti-trust laws will require that Hutchison sell off its interest in Partner.
Meanwhile, in China, the Israeli shipping company, ZIM, has been granted a license by the Chinese government to enter the Chinese shipping market, including the right to manage terminals and store merchandise on the Chinese mainland. As of now, China is ZIM?s third largest market and has continuously grown in the past years.
As an indication of the increasing relations between Israel and China, the Bezeq Communications Company has aroused the interest of a Chinese communications corporation, Hutchison Communications. Partners in the Chinese company have already met with Communications Minister Reuven Rivlin to discuss the Israeli plans to privatize Bezeq. Currently, Hutchison holds a controlling interest in the Partner cellular phone company. Therefore, local anti-trust laws will require that Hutchison sell off its interest in Partner.
Meanwhile, in China, the Israeli shipping company, ZIM, has been granted a license by the Chinese government to enter the Chinese shipping market, including the right to manage terminals and store merchandise on the Chinese mainland. As of now, China is ZIM?s third largest market and has continuously grown in the past years.