The Diplomat author Mercy Kuo regularly engages subject-matter experts, policy practitioners, and strategic thinkers across the globe for their diverse insights into U.S. Asia policy. This conversation with Dr. Eyal Propper – author of “Tangled Triangle: Israel–China relations Under America’s Shadow” (Earnshaw Books 2026) and former consult general of Israel in Shanghai – is the 534th in “The Trans-Pacific View Insight Series.” 

Explain your characterization of China-Israel relations as one defined by “pragmatism, opportunism, and mutual calculations.”

Israel and China could hardly be more different in political structure or worldview. However, since the two countries initiated their secret relations in 1979, the narrative traced through many chapters in my book reveals a relationship defined largely by just that – pragmatism, opportunism, and mutual calculation. 

China’s centralized system has enabled it to pursue national interests with singular focus, such as acquiring Israeli military technology without changing its long-term supportive attitude toward the Palestinian issue and avoiding jeopardizing relations with Arab and Muslim countries. It was done while Israel’s open, pluralistic society allows for a wide range of actors – politicians, business leaders, and entrepreneurs – to shape policy in ways that sometimes align with, but also sometimes undermine, broader national goals. 

During these formative years, some Israeli players have consistently prioritized short-term gain, including financial profit, over long-term strategic goals, particularly in the area of exporting advanced technology. As a result, Israel’s relations with China and the United States have been strained on various occasions throughout the years.

Analyze the importance of the United States in shaping Israel’s China policy.

The relationship between Israel and the United States was founded on shared democratic ideas and a profound integration of the Israeli system and society with Western democratic culture. In 1948, the new Israel’s position was eventually influenced by massive financial support from the U.S. government and the American Jewish community. 

Over the years, the United States has remained the world’s primary benefactor of Israel and its vital hub in many aspects. As a result, throughout multiple decades, Israeli leaders have had to decide on the criteria under which they desired to develop and maintain closer ties with China, while also considering the impact on their respective relationships with the United States. It was not an easy decision to make at first, and it is still challenging today.

What is your view on Beijing’s support of Tehran in the current Iran-U.S. war and its implications for Israel?

China’s policy toward Iran is driven primarily by its long-term strategic rivalry with the United States, its energy security interests, and its ambition to expand its influence in the Middle East. Beijing views Iran as a partner that can help constrain American influence and challenge the regional order shaped by Washington. However, China’s objective is not to defend Iran at any cost, but to preserve its strategic interests while avoiding unnecessary risk. These priorities impose clear limits on Chinese support. 

Beijing has strong economic interests in the stability of the Gulf, maintains important commercial relations with Arab states, and has little incentive to become directly involved in a military confrontation with the United States. Consequently, China is more likely to rely on diplomatic backing, economic cooperation, and potentially dual-use technology transfers.

For Israel, China’s support for Iran presents a long-term security challenge, even in the absence of direct Chinese military intervention. At the same time, Israel must recognize the limits of its leverage over Beijing. In the last several years, and following the October 7, 2023 war, bilateral relations have deteriorated significantly, reducing the scope for effective Israeli pressure. Therefore, Jerusalem should consequently prioritize coordination with Washington while maintaining selective diplomatic engagement with Beijing, emphasizing that unchecked Iranian military recovery threatens regional stability. 

What is the role of Taiwan in China-Israel relations?

On March 1, 1949, some months before the Republic of China’s rule of the Mainland collapsed, its Foreign Ministry sent to the “new born” Israel a letter offering official recognition. Israel did not reply and chose not to recognize the Nationalists’ collapsing regime. Even after the Nationalist retreated to Taiwan but continued to be a U.N. member, Israel and the Republic of China never established official diplomatic relations. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Israel was the first country in the Middle East to recognize the new regime in Beijing. This One China policy recognition is valid to this day. 

In the last several decades, Israel has maintained strong economic cooperation with Taiwan, and both entities have an advanced technology sector. Beijing is particularly sensitive to technology transfers that could strengthen Taiwan’s military or undermine China’s strategic position, while Israeli companies are looking for more opportunities in Asia. Taiwan tests Israel’s ability to deepen practical cooperation with a technologically advanced democratic partner while upholding its One China policy and avoiding confrontation with Beijing. Israel must carefully balance these interests without further straining its already deteriorated relations with China.

Assess the impact of outcomes from Israel’s recent national elections on Israel’s China policy.

Following the October 7 war in Gaza and the war with Iran, bilateral relations between China and Israel have deteriorated to their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. China is a pragmatic actor that seeks a more stable Middle East. A meaningful change in Israel’s policies, leading to a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and stability rather than prolonged warfare and confrontation, could create opportunities to restore constructive cooperation between Israel and China.