Xiao Junzheng became China's ambassador to Israel in November 2024, knowing full well that he had arrived in a warzone.
This week, he hosted Israel Hayom for his first major interview with the Hebrew media. The timing was not incidental; the interview was conducted approximately two weeks following the Israel-Iran ceasefire declaration, when Tehran's battlefield setbacks prompted analyst speculation about potential eastward diplomatic pivots toward Beijing for military procurement so that it could shore up its depleted supplies. One such report came out this week in the Middle East Eye, citing Arab sources whose credibility are unclear. The report claimed that China had already sent surface-to-air systems in the two weeks since the war's conclusion – the report was denied the very same day.
Xiao, it was abundantly clear, wanted to hold the interview so that he could dispel the rumors and reports on Beijing being actively involved in such efforts so that there is no doubt as to where China stands when it comes to Iran's threat on Israel.
"I can tell you for sure that the Middle East Eye report is completely groundless," Ambassador Xiao stated emphatically when asked about recent allegations. "The Chinese side stands against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its delivery systems. We strictly restrict the export of missiles, the related items and technologies."
This report merely represented the latest such reporting in an ongoing series of claims, varying in credibility, suggesting a Chinese supposed willingness to transfer military technologies to Israel's greatest adversary.
Status of Iran-China procurement
Additional reporting highlighted Iranian interest in Chinese-manufactured J-10 aircraft, recently showcased during the recent Pakistan-India clash (and Western sources have confirmed it likely downed at least one Indian jet). "In my personal view, there's no need for Israel to worry about this," Xiao stated. Naturally, the amorphous answer could be subject to interpretation regarding the current state of the ongoing talks over the J-10 between Iran and China. The Chinese Defense Ministry might have different views.
Nevertheless, reports documenting China-Iran commercial relationships supporting Tehran's missile programs predate the war in Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported June 5 that Iran ordered massive ammonium perchlorate quantities from China – a critical missile industry component – sufficient for hundreds of missile productions. Earlier, January reports documented two vessels transporting over 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate (utilized for ammonium perchlorate production) bound for Iran, with initial shipments reaching Iranian ports mid-February.
Throughout the entire interview he wore a lapel pin with both countries' flags. Also, behind his chair the two flags were prominently displayed even though originally only the Chinese flag was positioned behind him. Both gestures were not lost on us.
During April and May, Washington imposed sanctions targeting Iranian and Chinese entities and individuals for supporting Iran's ballistic missile industry. Beyond international media coverage, Israeli officials voiced concerns about this potentially enabling Iranian missile program renewal.
Xiao blames such reports on "anonymous sources". "We have noticed that for some time now, some anonymous resources have been cited to make baseless speculations and vilification against China, spreading rumors such as China provides weapons to Iran, China helps Iran to restore ballistic missile capabilities and China Iran military cooperation harms Israel's national security. A lie repeated a thousand times is still a lie," Xiao, who also served as third and second secretary in the Chinese Embassy in Iran some 20 years ago, responded with unequivocal rejection to the repeated reports.
When asked about dual-use material transfers to Iran, the ambassador reiterated Beijing's official stance. "As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China believes that all international disputes should be settled through dialogue and consultations and stands opposed to the use of force. China always handles the export of military products in a prudent and responsible manner.We have never provided these weapons to any party of the conflict. And we strictly control the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations." He disclosed that consultation forums at the level of deputy director-general have been established in recent months between Jerusalem and Beijing at multiple levels and that they included these matters.
"Of course these issues also came up [during the forums] ," he said. "We strongly oppose such baseless accusations and political manipulation and hope our Israeli friends will not be misled by these reports."
Xiao emphasizes profound appreciation for Israel and bilateral relationships, spending the hour-long interview elaborating on millennium-spanning Chinese-Jewish friendship while recalling Chinese sanctuary provided to Jewish refugees during World War II. Throughout the entire interview he wore a lapel pin with both countries' flags. Also, behind his chair the two flags were prominently displayed even though originally only the Chinese flag was positioned behind him. Both gestures were not lost on us.
This interview somewhat symbolizes evolving Chinese attitudes toward Israel throughout the conflict – transitioning from initially harsh, critical language to his recent ILTV appearance featuring a yellow hostage ribbon-pin on his jacket. This shift became particularly pronounced following September-October 2024 momentum changes and Israeli successes against Hezbollah.
In the first months since Oct. 7, China's Foreign Ministry and associated social media accounts maintained harsh Israeli criticism, occasionally even speaking on matters that Israel considers a red line: from the Palestinian so-called Right of Return to the right to carry out armed resistance against "occupying forces".
A delicate dance on Iran and Houthis
During Israel's Operation Rising Lion in Iran, while Beijing's Foreign Ministry condemned Israeli actions, President Xi Jinping avoided such condemnation, instead saying "all parties should work to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and prevent the situation from worsening further." According to various reports, China, which imports approximately 90% of Iranian oil exports, told Tehran it was opposed to closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US strike on its nuclear facilities.
"The Chinese government's position is very clear. The Hormuz Strait, like other international shipping lanes, is critical to the stability of the world economy and to the security of world supply chains. We don't want to see any such kinds of things happen like the blocking of the strait."
Additional reporting highlighted Iranian interest in Chinese-manufactured J-10 aircraft, recently showcased during the recent Pakistan-India clash (and Western sources have confirmed it likely downed at least one Indian jet). "In my personal view, there's no need for Israel to worry about this," Xiao stated. Naturally, the amorphous answer could be subject to interpretation regarding the current state of the ongoing talks over the J-10 between Iran and China. The Chinese Defense Ministry might have different views.
Regarding the ongoing threat by Iran's proxy, the Houthi rebels in Yemen's breakaway region, he also made it clear China wants a deescalation. "Almost all of the ports in the world have actually been affected by the tension in the Red Sea areas. China, as an important shipping power in this world, we are all victims and suffered from the tension in this region."
This week, in the Security Council session that discussed the situation in the Red Sea, the Chinese representative at the UN expressed "its deep concern over the recent armed attacks on two commercial vessels in the Red Sea," referring to two Greek ships that were attacked by the Tehran-backed rebels, one of which even sank. The Chinese representative did call on the Houthis to stop the attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, but did not condemn the move and regarding the confrontation with Israel. "We call on all parties to exercise calm and restraint and refrain from actions that escalate tensions," he said.
Like the president, Ambassador Xiao avoided condemning the Israeli military operation in Iran.
Q: How do you assess whether Israel's military actions in the region have made it safer?
Ambassador Xiao: "I exchange views with many Israeli friends. Some of them are encouraged by Israel's military success in its fighting with Hezbollah, Hamas, and during the Israel-Iran conflicts. They told me that now Israel, for the first time, enjoys a safer geopolitical environment in the past maybe 20 or 30 years. But at the same time, some Israeli friends tell me that yes, the military success is one thing, but how to transfer the military success into political success and strategic success is another case."
The ambassador even appeared to directly challenge Iran's threatening rhetoric, stating, "We respect Israel's right to subsistence and development. We are against some slogans by some people and some countries about wiping Israel out of the map of the world."
Q: Israel has long said it won't accept a nuclear Iran threat. Very similar to what Beijing is saying regarding Taipei – that you won't let them become independent. Perhaps Israel's success will encourage Beijing to take preemptive action against Taipei?
Ambassador Xiao: "When our two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992, the Israeli government acknowledged that there's one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of the whole of China."
He continued with particular emphasis: "The Chinese government has already passed the Anti-Secession National Law. According to this law, if the so-called Taiwan government announced or declared independence, wow, the war will be unavoidable. The war is unavoidable. If they declare independence, yes."
"I exchange views with many Israeli friends. Some of them are encouraged by Israel's military success in its fighting with Hezbollah, Hamas, and during the Israel-Iran conflicts. They told me that now Israel, for the first time, enjoys a safer geopolitical environment in the past maybe 20 or 30 years. But at the same time, some Israeli friends tell me that yes, the military success is one thing, but how to transfer the military success into political success and strategic success is another case."
The ambassador emphasized that "Taiwan is a province of China. It was never an independent state and it will never be an independent state. The future of Taiwan should be determined by 1.4 billion Chinese people, including the 23 million Taiwan people, instead of by the will of the 23 million Taiwan people alone."
Evolving rhetoric on Oct. 7
China's shift in diplomatic language on Israel's conduct in Gaza was clear in the interview as well. Following extended periods of ambiguous statements blaming both parties, the ambassador made it clear that China condemns the "intrusion" by Hamas into Israeli territory. When questioned about what China told the International Court of Justice statements regarding Palestinian's right to carry out armed struggle, he responded that "international law grants occupied populations rights to employ armed resistance ending foreign occupation." However, "this stops there," the ambassador stressed, noting that it does not extend to invading Israeli territory and violence against civilians.
Despite initial war-related China-Jerusalem relationship turbulence following Oct. 7, core economic connections remained largely intact. Chinese companies maintained Israeli operations, Chinese workers stayed and became increasingly essential following Palestinian employment restrictions, while Chinese corporations continued major projects from the light rail construction in Israeli cities to Haifa port operations. And unlike the other airlines, Chinese operators continued their flights all through the war, just like they did during the coronavirus pandemic. Even in the wake of the Iran war, flights have continued, despite some routes being suspended or halted.
Continuing conflict may present new relationship challenges through China-US superpower tensions, extending beyond tariff disputes to global concerns about Chinese technology adoption potentially exposing Western nations to Chinese data collection.
China's technology and the West
When questioned about reports restricting Chinese-manufactured vehicles from military installations because of spying concerns in electric cars, he was highly critical of the narrative that had been set. "Not long ago, I read an article by one of the local Israeli media. It's written by a technology editor. And this article is, I have to say, I have to point out that this article is a groundless one and full of outdated fake news and slanderous cliches against China. Now, I know many Israeli friends that love innovation and know very well the industry standards and the international normal practice of EV, AI, and internet communication. So rumors stop with the wise. I believe that this sort of article will find no followers in this Start-Up Nation." He added, "The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese companies to follow market principles in conducting international business. China has not and will not ask Chinese companies to transfer data overseas to the government in breach of other countries' laws."
Citing the historic bond between the people, he stated: "80 years ago, Chinese diplomats in Europe issued visas for life to Jewish refugees, and Chinese cities like Shanghai offered refuge to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. But 80 years later, some people are claiming that China-made automobiles are collecting sensitive data in Israel. Is he or she implying that China intends to launch military strikes on Israel? I think no one will follow this reporter's logic."
He emphasized Israel's technological capabilities: "Israel is a leading technology power possessing strong cyber offense and defense capabilities. The Israeli public should be confident in the nation's expertise and professional agencies. If Chinese products really pose the so-called spying risks, they may never appear in the Israeli market."
The ambassador noted that "China is a primary victim, not the originator of hacking and cyber attacks. We stand ready to enhance conversation and cooperation with the international community to jointly cope with cyber threats."
Citing the historic bond between the people, he stated: "80 years ago, Chinese diplomats in Europe issued visas for life to Jewish refugees, and Chinese cities like Shanghai offered refuge to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. But 80 years later, some people are claiming that China-made automobiles are collecting sensitive data in Israel. Is he or she implying that China intends to launch military strikes on Israel? I think no one will follow this reporter's logic."
He concluded with sharp criticism: "So what he or she did is merely copying and pasting what several Western media used to smear Chinese EVs few years ago. I hope that Israeli friends could hold a magnifying glass in their hands for business opportunities, instead of grabbing a hammer in their hands, constantly searching for new nails to hit."
Returning to Iranian matters, Xiao repeated China's public position on Iran's nuclear program, despite its reluctance to embrace the Israeli military action. "China made it clear and publicly that we oppose Iran's development and possession of nuclear weapons. This falls on China's obligation as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. But at the same time, all parties to the NPT are entitled to the right to have their own atomic energy for peaceful purposes. This right has also been written in the NPT and must not be ignored or rejected."
The treaty's provisions indeed allow its signatories to engage in some low-level enrichment for peaceful programs, including for power plants, research and medical applications – but Iran has insisted on enriching uranium to 60% purity levels, well beyond any civilian purpose.
China remains a party to the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran (JCPOA), which is still technically in effect despite the US withdrawal during Donald Trump's first term and serious Iranian violations.
When asked whether China should reconsider its approach given Tehran's dodging of inspections – Iran recently announced it would no longer cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency delegations – the ambassador blamed Western actions. According to his assessment, American agreement withdrawal apparently motivated Iran to accelerate its efforts to obtain highly-enriched uranium in substantial quantities.
While the agreement essentially became defunct, one element remains significant through October – the parties can activate the "Snapback" mechanism that will impose the previously lifted UN Security Council sanctions against Iran. Since this is already part of the agreement it does not require a Security COuncil vote and hence China would not be able to use its veto power. Chinese support isn't required if Britain, Germany or France support such measures.
Q: Would China support UN Security Council sanctions on Iran through the snapback mechanism?
Ambassador Xiao: "I do not have a concrete answer for this question. I think the most important thing is to try to restart or resume the negotiations between the United States and Iran."
The ambassador experienced his first rocket siren merely two days after he had arrived to begin his posting. Despite the challenges of serving in a country fighting wars on multiple fronts, he did not shy away from the difficulties and appears to be taking them in stride.
"I was awakened and I had to move to the shelter – an underground shelter," he recalls regarding the first time he heard the siren. " I have to be honest, I never had such kinds of experience, whether in China or in other countries. This reminded me that I came here at a very special moment…this experience also reminded me that my mission here would be a challenging one; maintaining the normal bilateral relations, I mean, especially the people-to-people exchanges and corporations under the circumstances of war and the conflict."
Despite these challenges, he expressed determination to minimize war's impact on bilateral ties: "I will try my best to try to limit the influence of the war or conflicts to the minimum level and try to bring the bilateral relations to its normal track because I believe our bilateral relations originated a 1,000 years ago and the traditional friendship between our two people laid sound foundations for our current and future cooperation."
He sounds off on an optimistic note: "Many of the Chinese people believe that after the war or conflict, Israel will enter into a new period of its peace, stability, and development, which will bring us a huge opportunity for our high level cooperation in different domains, in different fields."
