Where do China-Israel ties stand after closure of consulate in Chengdu?

Recent deterioration in China-Israel relations has reached a new low with the closure of Israel's consulate general in Chengdu, China. The decision comes amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has strained bilateral ties between the two nations.

Gadi Harpaz, the Israeli consul general in Chengdu, described his five years at the post as "the most memorable of his diplomatic career" before announcing his departure. He expressed sadness and nostalgia over the closure but emphasized that the bridges of friendship, mutual respect, and shared memories they built will endure.

The consulate's closure follows a controversy in 2023 when the Chengdu consulate shared a letter from what it claimed was an unknown Chinese friend. The letter, written in support of Israel, sparked backlash among Chinese web users and led to Israel declaring war in Gaza and cutting off supplies to the region.

China, on the other hand, has repeatedly pledged support for Palestine and condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, stating that a two-state solution is the only way to resolve the conflict. The closure of the consulate is seen as a natural phase in the normal development of bilateral ties, according to Middle East analyst Zhu Yongbiao. He believes that while the closure is a setback, there is still potential for relations to recover and develop if both countries reassess their global standing and core interests.