In today’s Wall Street Journal, Ilan Berman wrote an editorial that frankly surprised me. In brief, Berman highlighted America’s concern that Israel’s growing political and economic relationship with China has sinister implications. Specifically, John Bolton, who is America’s National Security Advisor, met with Prime Minister Netanyahu to express American concerns about the extent of the Chinese-Israel relationship.
There are two issues that America finds troubling:
In 2021 a Chinese company will take control of day-to-day operations at Haifa, Israel’s major port. Haifa is both a commercial hub and regularly hosts naval visits from U.S. Sixth fleet. Bolton stressed that America might scale back or eliminate this relationship if Israel finalizes this relationship with China. Berman believes that Israel will terminate this possible Chinese takeover if it means discord with America.
Because of Chinese systematic investments, the Chinese may now have control or have influence over as much as 25% of Israel’s tech industry.
To placate America’s concerns, the U.S. wants Israel to create an agency to review foreign investments in the sensitive areas of its economy. Otherwise, Berman argues Israel could jeopardize the long-term dynamism of the U.S.-Israeli partnership.
Clearly, Israel needs to be sensitive to America’s concerns. On the other hand, Israel would like to develop a strong relationship with China given the latter’s growing economic and political clout. To the extent that Israel’s influence in Europe is almost non existent or even embittered by that region’s growing anti-Zionism, Israel needs to create allies in Asia.
Originally published in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
