China’s ambassador to Israel, Xiao Jun-zheng, recently published several articles in Israeli media in both Hebrew and English, claiming that China opposes antisemitism and is fighting the phenomenon. The ambassador even expressed support for releasing Israeli hostages. However, according to Amit Elazar, a Sinologist and commentator on Chinese affairs, these statements contradict China’s actual policy since the beginning of the Iron Swords war.
Open Support for Hamas#
Since October 7, 2023, China has refused to condemn the Hamas terror attack or the actions of Hezbollah and Iran against Israel. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the Hamas terror attack as a “military operation” rather than a terrorist atrocity. Chinese official media focused on reporting the destruction in Gaza while pointing an accusing finger at Israel, while the Hamas atrocities were hardly mentioned.
Moreover, China does not view Hamas or Islamic Jihad as terrorist organizations, but rather as “resistance organizations.” In July 2024, the Chinese Foreign Ministry hosted an official delegation from Hamas as part of “reconciliation talks” between Palestinian factions, giving prominent legitimacy to the terror organization.
Extreme Diplomatic Positions#
In the diplomatic arena, China has taken extreme positions against Israel. Starting in November 2023, official Chinese representatives declared support for the Palestinian “right of return.” In February 2024, China’s representative to the International Court of Justice in The Hague claimed that acts of violence against Israelis are not terrorism, but rather a “legitimate armed struggle” based on international law.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly condemned Israel in international bodies for “violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, while completely ignoring the terrorism directed against Israeli civilians.
Ignoring the Hostages#
On the issue of Israeli hostages, China’s conduct has been even more blatant. Chinese media use the word “detainees” or “held” instead of “hostages,” and report on “prisoner exchanges” rather than hostage releases. According to an Israeli report, China rejected Israeli requests to help Noa Argamani, whose mother is Chinese, claiming she is “only half Chinese.”
Contrary to the ambassador’s statements about efforts to free the hostages, all official Israeli approaches to China on the matter have been rejected. This is a blatant disregard for the suffering of hostages and their families.
Wave of Antisemitism on Chinese Networks#
Social networks in China, which are regularly censored by the authorities, have become a breeding ground for conspiracy theories, antisemitism, and incitement against Jews and Israel. The fact that the authorities allow this phenomenon to continue without interference indicates quiet support, or at least deliberate indifference.
In Chinese academia, there is also a worrying phenomenon of comparing Israel to Nazi Germany, demonizing Israel, and even challenging its right to exist as a state.
Strategic Objectives#
China is using the Iron Swords war as part of its efforts to portray itself as leading the Global South and the anti-Western axis. This is an opportunity to undermine the U.S.-led world order and expand its influence in the Middle East.
Call to Action#
The China expert calls on the State of Israel to take steps to exact a price from China for its support of terrorism. Steps could include canceling economic contracts, reducing cooperation in technology and hi-tech, and diplomatic protests through all channels. Israel must not allow Chinese companies access to Israeli technologies that could be used in the struggle against the U.S. and the West.
The Israeli public must understand that the Chinese government is part of the problem, not part of the solution. Behind the ambassador’s honeyed words lies a policy of supporting terrorism and inciting against Israel.
Source: Makor Rishon
