The Deputy Secretary of State, David Shenkar, spoke today (Monday) from Washington at the annual conference of the SIGNAL organization dealing with Israel-China relations. Shenkar clarified in his opening remarks that the United States does not ask the countries of the region and Israel not to have relations with China, but to be aware of the risks: “We want Israel not to have illusions about the heavy risk of doing business with China. “China’s continued subversive behavior against the international order requires a sharp and joint response.” He said the change in US policy toward China would continue.
In the context of Chinese influence in the Middle East, Shenkar said: “We want to ensure that China’s growing influence does not come at the expense of the prosperity, stability and financial independence of the countries of the region.” Shenkar criticized China’s conduct with the outbreak of the corona plague. “Beijing has rejected the full transfer of information and taken action against anyone who tried to pass the information on to the world. The lack of transparency and steps taken by China have allowed the epidemic to spread around the world at such a critical time.”
In the Israeli context, Shenkar sent a clear signal to the Israeli government. “China is looking for deals in which it gains access or even control of critical infrastructure, information or technology. We have seen China’s attempts to make deals in critical infrastructure areas. It is a threat to national security for many countries in the Middle East. Chinese investments jeopardize the national security of countries where China An investor. “
Shenkar said he accompanied Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a visit to Israel several months ago, when he pressured the Israeli government to take a closer look at Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, and made it clear that this is an essential component of our common security. He said, “Every Chinese investment should be examined with regulatory eyes, which will ensure that companies do so in a way that does not endanger Israel’s national security.”
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On the mechanism set up by the government following the American pressure, the Committee on Foreign Investment, Shenkar said that “this is a step in the right direction. We would like to see more – especially in the technological field. We are committed to working with Israel and strengthening this mechanism and developing other ways to protect Israeli technology.” Continue to share with Israel the lessons it has learned in the field. We will provide support to the new committee in a way that will address the unique challenge facing Israel. “
Shenkar specifically addressed the Israeli high-tech and innovation industry, “Israel’s booming high-tech sector is a target for China. We are concerned about China’s attempts to make investments in sensitive technologies that have dual uses (civilian and security). This jeopardizes our shared partnership and security.”
He further noted that investments in critical infrastructure and G5 technologies are worrying due to China’s attempts to force companies to cooperate with its intelligence organizations. “AI, big data, etc. algorithms ostensibly used for ‘preventive policing’ are actually surveillance technologies. This is the reality in China and this may be the reality in other countries. We want to make sure governments do not adopt Chinese methods of social control.”
Shenkar noted that Washington is concerned about China’s oil purchases from Iran, which supplies an economic pipeline to Tehran. “It reinforces Iran’s actions to sow instability and terrorism in the region.” He said, “It should be remembered that China’s economic conduct in investing in Iran undermines our joint efforts to get Iran to change its ways.” He added: “It is no secret that the regime in Iran is working hard to sign a 25-year strategic partnership agreement with China. Investments, mainly in the purchase of oil, amounting to almost $ 400 billion over the period, will go to strengthen a regime that wants to destroy Israel.”
Shenkar said China is playing on both pitches in regional conflicts. “As a responsible global leader, we use our influence to encourage leaders to meet their commitments, and maintain international order.
“China rides on the security we provide to the region and joins Iran, while at the same time wanting to be a member of our allies in the Gulf. Beijing cannot hold the stick at both ends. The security of half of China’s oil imports depends on curbing Iran’s negative leadership threatening the region.” .
Shenkar has reiterated the deep commitment of the United States to Israel’s security. “Ask yourself: Will China ever want to, or will it be able to motivate partners or give the necessary guarantees to lead policies like the Abrahamic Accords? And to protect Israel when it is threatened? “
Charis Whiti, China expert and chair of the SIGNAL Institute for the Study of Israel-China Relations: “We are in the midst of a strong struggle between the two powers and Israel, whether you like it or not, is part of this struggle. “There is no doubt that the next arena of wrestling is the arena of Israeli technology and innovation, and only an intelligent approach to China that cares about the Israeli interest, in relation to all the various players in the arena, and deeply understands the Chinese way of thinking, is the only way to navigate this minefield.”