Chinese-Israeli Relations: Between Opportunities and Constraints
Öz
This article examines Chinese-Israeli relations, and argues that since the 1990s, China and Israel successfully improved their bilateral ties by focusing on their commonalities defined by mutual economic interests instead of their differences. Yet, besides opportunities, there are also constraints affecting the bilateral relations: first, the U.S.-Chinese competition for global leadership, and the U.S. as a close ally of Israel opposing the improvement in Chinese-Israeli relations; second, China’s close military relations with Iran; and third, Beijing’s pro-Palestinian policies. The article argues that of the three constraints, the U.S. disapproval of close Chinese-Israeli relations influenced the bilateral ties the most. Although China’s military relations with Iran raised Israeli security concerns, both states managed to focus on their mutual economic gains. Regarding the Palestinian issue, China’s cautious policies did not adversely affect the bilateral ties.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Chinese-Israeli Relations, U.S.-Israeli Relations, Chinese-Iranian Relations, China’s Pro-Palestinian Policies
Teşekkür
I am grateful to Professor Haluk Karadağ and two anonymous reviewers for the valuable comments on this article.
Kaynakça
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