Shea Levin — text status

China's ambassador to Israel, Xiao Junzheng, says Beijing considers Israel a friend and an important partner, but he flatly rejected Israeli concerns over China's close relationship with Iran and its heavy footprint in Israel's strategic infrastructure. He insisted China's dealings with Iran are within international law. Israeli officials have grown increasingly critical of the relationship, with Iranian customs data showing some 1,300 shipments of dual-use components going from China to Iran's Defense Ministry in the first half of 2026. Xiao also dismissed security warnings about Chinese-built infrastructure.