Of course, our relationship has not always been smooth. We have experienced some ups and downs in the past two decades. We have also had different views on certain issues. However, we have been dealing with the problems from a long-term perspective, seeking common ground while setting aside our differences. More important, we are determined to promote our bilateral relations, to deepen our friendship, and to seek mutual respect, understanding, trust and benefits.

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Yes, I do find some Chinese products here, such as clothing, household electrical appliances, and other daily necessities. Many Israeli friends tell me the Chinese products sold in the Israeli market help reduce expenses for ordinary Israelis. As far as I know, modern Israeli agricultural technology is a great success in China. Chinese people speak highly of Israeli drip irrigation systems. China’s twelfth five-year plan outlines a reshaped economic structure, a modernized industrial mix and a greater policy of openness. I believe once Israeli enterprises in the high added-value business find their niche in China's economic restructuring, they will gain more orders, profits and market share in China.

As for tourism, there are 1.3 billion people in China. If one percent of Chinese people visit Israel, it is a large number. I do think there should be more Chinese tourists to Israel, because many Chinese people are quite interested in Israel and want to visit this fantastic country. I have to say there are some technical or practical problems hindering this process, such as difficulties in the application for tourist visas and security concerns. I think both sides should try to solve the technical problems and do more to promote tourism. By the way, Israeli tourists are always welcome in China. There are a lot of places of interest in China waiting for Israeli tourists to explore.

If we look back on the international situation in recent years, we couldn’t agree more with that analysis. International relations and the international order are experiencing accelerated adjustments and changes. China has changed a lot over the past 30 years and more. China has become the second largest economy in the world. China’s global trade volume in goods ranks second in the world. Exports rank first. China imported goods worth nearly $750 billion annually in the last decade, which created over 14 million jobs for those exporting countries and regions. That said, China remains a developing country. China’s per capita GDP in 2010 was about $4,400, ranking around 100th in the world, which is less than one-sixth of that of Israel. Judging by U.N. standards, 150 million Chinese people are still living in poverty, which is 20 times the total population of Israel.

As for China’s contribution to peace in the world, I’d like to recommend the White Paper titled "China's Peaceful Development" issued last September, which elaborated on China’s concept of 'peaceful development' and China’s contribution to world peace and development. I want to share some facts with you: China is the only nuclear-armed country that has publicly stated it would not be the first to use nuclear weapons, or use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China has dispatched about 21,000 soldiers on 30 U.N. peacekeeping missions, which is the highest number among the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. China takes an active part in international cooperation in anti-terrorism and nonproliferation. It provides humanitarian aid and dispatches rescue teams to countries hit by severe natural disasters and deploys naval escort fleets to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

I think China-U.S. relations are more than 'a positive working relationship.' In January 2011, President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to the United States. In a joint statement issued by the two countries, both sides declared their commitment to building 'a cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.' Since then, China-U.S. exchanges and cooperation have progressed in many areas. Due to differences in history, culture, social system and development levels, divergences and sensitive issues remain in China-U.S. relations. But I believe strengthening cooperation is the only choice for China and the U.S, as two big powers, considering their common interests and responsibilities. For the benefit of the two peoples, and for world peace, stability and development, both sides should respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests, and promote cooperation on bilateral, regional and global levels, and steer the relationship through challenges toward a better future.

Yes, like most countries in the world, we are concerned about the Iranian nuclear issue. We closely follow its developments. We oppose the proliferation of nuclear weapons and disapprove of the development of nuclear weapons by any Middle East country as many countries do. As a member to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran should undertake the international obligation of nuclear non-proliferation.

China is a peace-loving country. We are committed to peaceful dialogue, not saber-rattling conflict, as a means of dealing with difference. As Churchill said, 'To jaw-jaw always is better than to war-war.' We always hold that dialogue and cooperation is the best way to seek a comprehensive, long-term and appropriate settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. Sanctions and even the use of force cannot resolve the issue fundamentally, and by doing so it may be counter-productive. There is still room for Iran and the international community to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation. We should not give up our efforts, but rather increase input in this regard. The top priority now is to reopen the dialogue between the P5+1 and Iran as soon as possible. China maintains normal and transparent commercial ties with Iran in the fields of energy and trade. That neither violates relevant resolutions of the U.N. Security Council nor impairs the interests of other countries or the international community, and thus should not be called into question.

The current global economic situation deserves our high attention. Some major economies are experiencing economic slowdowns, and other countries are facing acute sovereign debt problems. The international financial market is still volatile. Emerging markets face high inflationary pressure. Protectionism in various forms is mounting. The continuing turbulence in the Middle East, as well as extreme weather conditions and frequent natural disasters, have also had a negative impact on the world economy. As a result, the global economic recovery is fraught with instability and uncertainty and encounters growing risks and challenges.

Regarding China’s contribution to stabilizing the economic situation, I would like to quote Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd who spoke at the Asia Society in New York on Jan. 13. He said, 'China during the Global Financial Crisis has indeed demonstrated itself to be both willing and able to act as a responsible global stakeholder. In fact, without China, the global economy would not have recovered as rapidly as it did.'

Since the outbreak of the international financial crisis, China has actively responded to domestic and external challenges to maintain strong growth at home. According to the preliminary estimation, China’s GDP grew by 9.2% in 2011. China’s steady and fast development has been the biggest contribution to the world economic recovery. In the coming five years, China's imports are expected to exceed $8 trillion, which is very good news for the world. At the same time, China has substantially increased its financial contribution to international financial institutions, extended a helping hand to other developing countries, increased bond purchase from developed countries and played its part in assisting the economic and social development of relevant countries and stabilizing the international economic and financial situation.

China will continue to work with other countries with common responsibilities. I believe we should make concerted efforts to strengthen the coordination of macroeconomic policies, fight protectionism, improve the international monetary system and tackle climate change and other challenges. We should welcome the fast development of emerging economies, respect different models of development, increase help to least developed countries to enhance their capacity for self-development, and promote strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the global economy.

I am greatly honored to be posted as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Israel. I will do my utmost to further promote friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples during my tenure. Politically, I hope to build up the momentum of political exchanges at all levels, and enhance mutual understanding and trust. Economically, I hope to expand and deepen our mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, high-technology, new energy and agriculture, and to bring more and more benefits to our people. For interpersonal exchanges, I hope to find more channels, and create better conditions to draw schools, think tanks, news media, cultural organizations, businesses and local communities into our exchange programs, and get everyone involved in the cause of promoting China-Israel friendship. I believe my tenure here will leave a deep imprint on my memory.

I find Israel much safer than I thought it to be. I think Israel is a fantastic country with a combination of the ancient and the modern. The more time I stay in Israel, the deeper I love it. I love Israeli people. They have a lot of merits. When I think of Israelis, many adjectives immediately come into mind: intelligent, innovative, hard-working, persistent, brave, united, easy-going, always helpful and friendly. When I meet with Israeli people for the first time, I feel like meeting with old friends. It’s a wonderful experience.

If you ask me who is the most famous Jew in China, my answer is Karl Marx or Albert Einstein. Karl Marx is a Jew who has never been to China but enjoys the greatest influence on the direction of modern China. Albert Einstein set foot in China in the 1920s in a brief stop in Shanghai. He is an icon for many young people who dream of becoming a great scientist for the benefit of all mankind. President Shimon Peres and other Israeli statesmen and notables are also held in high esteem in China.

To be frank, the best Chinese restaurants in Tel Aviv are at the Chinese Embassy and my residence. We have professional and experienced chefs from China. Many Israeli friends invited to dinner at my residence enjoy the Chinese food very much. As for Israeli food, I’ve tried a lot of it. St. Peter's Fish leaves a deep impression because of its legend and cooking. China has the same kind of fish, but it is an ordinary dish without the legendary name. My staff in the Chinese Embassy also like local food. Like Chinese food, Israeli food is delicious, healthy and not expensive.

Ken, ani lomedet Ivrit [Yes, I am learning Hebrew]. It looks complicated because it’s a totally different language system with its own characters. Although I am quite busy, I try to learn some basic sentences when I have time. I also encourage my staff to learn more basic Hebrew. They have a Hebrew language course at the embassy. I hope to be able to speak with you in Hebrew when I accomplish my mission in Israel.

Cultural exchange is an important dimension of our relations. This year marks the 20th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. There will be an art performance of "Poetry of Kung Fu–Nine Scrolls," Chinese folk dances, a Chinese film festival and other cultural events held in Israel. We are also thinking of introducing Chinese works of art and relic exhibitions to Israel in the coming years. I believe that through joint efforts, we can have greater cultural exchanges.

Last but not least, how do you see the future of our relations? What do you wish to achieve during the years you are posted here?