Celebrating Twenty Years of China-Israel Relations
The year 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and China. ADL's Pacific Southwest Region celebrated this milestone with a discussion between David Siegel, Consul General of Israel, and Sun Weide, Deputy Consul General of China, at the Pacific Southwest Regional Board's Annual Meeting on June 19 at the Luxe on Sunset.
The diplomats emphasized the increasing importance of the relationship between their two countries in their panel presentation to ADL board members and supporters, along with invited dignitaries of the Chinese American community. The speakers talked about trade relations in the fields of technology, agriculture and education. Deputy Consul Sun pointed out that trade between the two countries has increased from $50 million 20 years ago to $10 billion per year today.
Both speakers discussed historical ties between the two countries, particularly during World War II when Shanghai was a place of refuge for thousands of Jews escaping the Germans. According to Sun, Jews in China have continuously contribute to the prosperity of China. Looking back over 20 years of friendship and achievements he expressed pride in what has been achieved. Sun also highlighted the growing interest in China about Israel evidenced by delegations continually visiting Israel and the establishment of Hebrew language programs at Chinese universities. Sun expressed the hope of the Chinese government for a more stable region in the Middle East and continued cooperation with Israel. "Let's work together for a lasting friendship."
Consul General Siegel stressed the importance of China as an important player on the world scene. He noted the many high level exchanges between the two countries and the fact that together they have built the largest desalinization plant in the world. He spoke about the infrastructure work being built by Chinese companies in Israel, the 1000 Israeli companies working in China, and the large number of Chinese undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students studying in Israel.
Siegel related a poignant story of Dr. Jacob Rosenfeld, a Ukrainian Jewish refugee who had escaped to Shanghai and ended up serving as a General in the Chinese Army, responsible for health and sanitation. Nearly 50 years after the war, when the first official Chinese delegation came to Israel at the outset of diplomatic relations, they made a pilgrimage to Dr. Rosenfeld's grave in Tel Aviv.
"The sky is literally the limit," Siegel stated, referring to the close relations the two countries have developed over the past 20 years. "We have a lot to celebrate."
The diplomats emphasized the increasing importance of the relationship between their two countries in their panel presentation to ADL board members and supporters, along with invited dignitaries of the Chinese American community. The speakers talked about trade relations in the fields of technology, agriculture and education. Deputy Consul Sun pointed out that trade between the two countries has increased from $50 million 20 years ago to $10 billion per year today.
Both speakers discussed historical ties between the two countries, particularly during World War II when Shanghai was a place of refuge for thousands of Jews escaping the Germans. According to Sun, Jews in China have continuously contribute to the prosperity of China. Looking back over 20 years of friendship and achievements he expressed pride in what has been achieved. Sun also highlighted the growing interest in China about Israel evidenced by delegations continually visiting Israel and the establishment of Hebrew language programs at Chinese universities. Sun expressed the hope of the Chinese government for a more stable region in the Middle East and continued cooperation with Israel. "Let's work together for a lasting friendship."
Consul General Siegel stressed the importance of China as an important player on the world scene. He noted the many high level exchanges between the two countries and the fact that together they have built the largest desalinization plant in the world. He spoke about the infrastructure work being built by Chinese companies in Israel, the 1000 Israeli companies working in China, and the large number of Chinese undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students studying in Israel.
Siegel related a poignant story of Dr. Jacob Rosenfeld, a Ukrainian Jewish refugee who had escaped to Shanghai and ended up serving as a General in the Chinese Army, responsible for health and sanitation. Nearly 50 years after the war, when the first official Chinese delegation came to Israel at the outset of diplomatic relations, they made a pilgrimage to Dr. Rosenfeld's grave in Tel Aviv.
"The sky is literally the limit," Siegel stated, referring to the close relations the two countries have developed over the past 20 years. "We have a lot to celebrate."