Covering the years 2026 to 2030, the 15th Five-Year Plan period will be a decisive phase for China's modernization drive. The external environment will remain complex and challenging, but China will stay focused on managing its own affairs well and continue to create new miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. The major targets for economic and social development during this period are sevenfold:

1. significant achievements in high-quality development;
2. substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength;
3. fresh breakthroughs in further deepening reform comprehensively;
4. notable cultural and ethical progress across society;
5. further improvements in quality of life;
6. major new strides in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative;
7. and further advances in strengthening the national security shield.

Building on this, we will work hard for a further five years to see that by the year 2035 China's economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense capabilities, composite national strength, and international influence will all be markedly stronger, that its per capita GDP will be on a par with that of a mid-level developed country, that its people will live better and happier lives, and that socialist modernization will be basically realized.

This plenary session served as a new mobilization and strategic deployment for advancing Chinese modernization. The Recommendations laid out policy directions and key tasks across areas including industrial development, scientific and technological innovation, domestic market , economic systems, opening up, rural revitalization, regional development, cultural progress, livelihood improvement, green transition, security and national defense.

I wish to emphasize that China remains committed to its fundamental national policy of opening up and to building an open world economy through concrete action. The Recommendations made important arrangements on promoting high-standard opening up and creating new horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation. It calls for steadily expanding opening up at the institutional level, safeguarding the multilateral trading system, promoting broader international economic flows, advancing reform and development through greater openness, and sharing opportunities and achieving common development with the rest of the world. In the next five years, we will continue to take the initiative to open China wider, promote the innovative development of trade, create greater space for two-way investment cooperation, and pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China's door to opening up will not be closed; it will only open wider.

Since 1953, China has formulated long-term plans for national economic and social development, with each plan covering a five-year period. These plans serve as blueprints for the country's long-term development, setting goals and visions for major national projects and economic growth. As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, over the past seven decades and more, we have been working from generation to generation on the same blueprint to make it a reality. We have no intention to challenge or supplant anyone. Our focus has always been on managing China's own affairs well, improving ourselves, and sharing development opportunities with all countries across the world. And that is an important secret to our success.

Looking back on the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's development has been truly remarkable and extraordinary. Facing a complex international landscape and tough domestic reform, development, and stability tasks, China has effectively addressed major risks and challenges and achieved new leaps in economic strength, scientific and technological capability, and overall national power. China's economy has maintained a sound growth momentum, with GDP exceeding 110 trillion, 120 trillion, and 130 trillion yuan in successive years and expected to reach about 140 trillion yuan this year. Its contribution to global growth has remained around 30 percent, and it has led the world in manufacturing output for 15 consecutive years.

China's economy is moving toward innovation. Ranking 10th in the Global Innovation Index, it has the world's largest pool of R&D personnel, and is one of the fastest-rising innovation economies. China continues to build a higher-standard open economy, sharing development opportunities with the world. It has established 22 pilot free trade zones and signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, while removing all restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing. The Hainan Free Trade Port will complete its customs closure by the end of this year. Moreover, China has signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with over 150 countries and 30 international organizations.

Chinese modernization is an ambitious and arduous endeavor. Its grand blueprint requires grasping the essentials while attending to details, combining strategic vision with meticulous execution. Whatever changes may unfold in the world, China will continue to contribute stability and certainty to a turbulent world through steady efforts. An open and developing China stands ready to share opportunities and pursue common development with all countries—including Israel. We look forward to enhancing mutual understanding and deepening innovation cooperation between China and Israel, leveraging China's high-quality development and Israel's strengths in innovation to advance practical cooperation and bilateral relations, and together move toward a community with a shared future for humanity.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.

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I. Taiwan's return to China: an unshakable historical fact

Since the 12th century, successive imperial central governments of China have established administrative bodies in Taiwan. In 1895, following Japan's war of aggression against China, the Qing government was forced to cede Taiwan, resulting in the island's occupation by a foreign power for half a century. In 1945, with the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Taiwan was restored to China. The 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation both explicitly stipulated that Taiwan, which Japan had stolen from China, should be restored to China. Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender, in which it pledged to faithfully fulfill the obligations laid down in the Potsdam Proclamation.

As a result of the civil war in China and the interference by external forces, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have fallen into a state of protracted political confrontation, giving rise to the Taiwan question. However, the sovereignty and territory of China have never been divided, and Taiwan's status as part of China's territory has never changed. In the decades after 1949, the Taiwan authorities consistently maintained the position that Taiwan is part of China. After the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) assumed power, it has obstinately pursued a stance of "Taiwan independence", colluding with external forces to provoke separation. Such attempts to divide the country cannot alter the fundamental fact that Taiwan is a province of China, nor can they reverse the historical trend toward national reunification.

II. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758: The definitive international legal document

At its 26th session in 1971, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 2758 by an overwhelming majority, with Israel casting an affirmative vote. The resolution decided to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China in the UN and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the UN, and to expel forthwith the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the UN and all the organizations related to it. This resolution resolved once and for all the question of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN, as a political, legal and procedural issue. It made clear that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is part of China, and that notions such as "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" do not exist.

The UN system has consistently followed UNGA Resolution 2758 since its adoption. The only reference to the Taiwan region in the UN is "Taiwan, Province of China".  The one-China principle has also become a prevailing international consensus and a basic norm of international relations. A total of 183 countries in the world, including Israel, have already established and developed diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. The China-lsrael Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations clearly states that "the Government of the State of Israel recognizes that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China."

III. The "undetermined status of Taiwan" Theory: A fallacious notion of division

Taiwan is China's Taiwan. The question of Taiwan's status was fundamentally resolved in 1945, when the Chinese people won the great victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and has been clearly affirmed by a series of internationally binding legal instruments. For some time, the DPP authorities and certain countries have deliberately distorted or challenged UNGA Resolution 2758, hyping up the so-called "undetermined status of Taiwan" theory and unscrupulously advancing the "Taiwan independence" agenda. Such actions constitute a distortion of historical facts, a trampling on international law, and a blatant challenge to the international order and rules. They represent the greatest current threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait. To clamor for "Taiwan independence" is to split the country, to support "Taiwan independence" is to interfere in China's internal affairs, and to connive at "Taiwan independence" is to undermine the stability of the Taiwan Strait. If peace in the Taiwan Strait is truly desired, one must resolutely oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence" and firmly support China's national reunification.

"Territory cannot be divided, the country cannot fall into chaos, the nation cannot be dispersed, and civilization cannot be interrupted." These are the deepest convictions of the Chinese nation. Eighty years ago, China defeated the brutal Japanese invaders and restored Taiwan to its territory. Eighty years later, a rejuvenated and strong Chinese nation will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China. I hope that friends in Israel will fully recognize the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan question, resolutely oppose any form of "Taiwan independence", and firmly support the Chinese government in achieving national reunification.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.

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This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As the principal battlefield in the East, China was the earliest to enter the fight, endured the longest struggle, and made enormous sacrifices. With more than 35 million military and civilian casualties, the Chinese people made a vital contribution to the ultimate global victory over fascism. The Chinese government and people have never forgotten the international friends who stood by their side in resisting aggression. Recently, a joint event with Israeli partners honored Dr. Jakob Rosenfeld, a Jewish internationalist fighter who escaped Nazi persecution with the help of Chinese diplomat Ho Feng-Shan. Dr. Rosenfeld later joined the anti-Japanese forces led by the CPC, saving countless lives through his medical expertise. During WWII, tens of thousands of Jewish refugees found shelter in Shanghai, Harbin, Tianjin, Hong Kong, and other Chinese cities. These experiences forged enduring bonds of solidarity and mutual support between the Chinese and Jewish peoples in times of profound hardship.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to China. Taiwan's return was an integral part of the post-war international order, and China's sovereignty over the island is indisputable. The one-China principle is not only a widely recognized consensus within the international community and a fundamental norm of international relations, but also the political foundation of China's relations with countries around the world, including Israel. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which solemnly reaffirmed the one-China principle. Although China and Israel had not yet established diplomatic relations at the time, Israel upheld fairness and justice by voting in favor of the resolution. In 1992, the two countries signed the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, in which the Israeli government recognized the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and confirmed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China's territory. Historical facts cannot be denied, nor can historical trends be reversed. China will surely achieve complete national reunification.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Over the past eight decades, humanity has witnessed rapid development, a new wave of scientific and technological revolutions, and profound industrial transformation – alongside emerging global challenges such as climate change. History shows that multilateralism, unity, and cooperation remain the most effective responses to shared challenges. It also warns that at critical junctures in global governance, only by reaffirming commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter can humanity make the right choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, and win-win versus zero-sum outcomes. President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Governance Initiative, which emphasizes adhering to sovereign equality; abiding by international law; practicing multilateralism; advocating the people-centered approach; and focusing on taking real actions. The initiative outlines principles, methods, and pathways for reforming and improving the global governance system, contributing China's perspective and proposals to this shared endeavor. It also brings greater stability and certainty to a world marked by turbulence and unrest.

This year also marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan. In the first half of 2025, China's GDP grew by 5.3% year-on-year. Emerging industries – from green energy and unmanned machinery to intelligent driving, advanced materials, and quantum technology – are flourishing. Breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence, domestically produced chips, and homegrown large aircraft continue to showcase the country's capacity for innovation. China's growth is not reaching a "peak"; rather, it is underscoring renewed vitality and potential, offering greater certainty and positive momentum in a world facing turbulence and uncertainty. As two innovation-driven economies, China and Israel share a common vision for technological progress, enjoy complementary strengths, and have broad prospects for cooperation. Next year, China will launch its 15th Five-Year Plan, entering a decisive phase on the path toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035. This will open wider opportunities and create greater space for China-Israel collaboration in innovation.

Choosing China means choosing the future. We hope that more friends from all walks of Israeli society will come to know China better – by visiting, engaging, and investing. Israel is welcome to board the "express train" of China's development, working hand in hand with us to build an even brighter future for China–Israel relations.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel

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China commemorates this victory to remember history and honor fallen heroes. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression constituted the main eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War. It was the longest-lasting front, beginning the earliest and bearing immense sacrifices. Throughout this bitter and heroic struggle, Chinese forces consistently engaged and contained the bulk of the Japanese military, providing crucial strategic support to Allied operations in Europe and the Pacific. China's efforts contributed significantly to the eventual rescue of Jews from the Nazis and were vital to securing the final victory of global anti-fascism. The Chinese people and government remain forever grateful to the foreign governments and international friends who supported their resistance.

On August 27^th, the Chinese Embassy in Israel and the Chaim Herzog Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II held an event in commemoration of Dr. Jakob Rosenfeld. He was a Jewish international fighter and a legendary doctor who, in the 1940s, voluntarily journeyed to China's anti-Japanese resistance bases despite severe shortages of food and supplies. There, he saved countless Chinese soldiers and civilians, dedicating his most precious years to the liberation of the Chinese people.

China commemorates this victory to cherish peace and create a better future. Eighty years ago, the international community learned profound lessons from the scourge of two world wars and founded the United Nations, writing a new page in global governance. Eighty years later, the world is undergoing accelerated transformations unprecedented in a century. Regional turmoil occurs frequently, economic growth is hindered, globalization faces a backlash, regulatory and legal frameworks are fragmented, and the governance deficit continues to widen. Against this backdrop, the international community is increasingly focused on a critical question: What kind of global governance system should be established, and how can it be reformed and improved? In response to this shared challenge, and guided by the vision of a shared future for all nations and the advancement of humanity, President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI).

The core concepts of the GGI include: adhering to sovereign equality; abiding by international law; practicing multilateralism; advocating the people-centered approach; and focusing on taking real actions. These five principles define the fundamental norms, methods, and pathways necessary for the reform and improvement of global governance. They respond to fundamental questions – by whom, how, and for whom global governance should be conducted – and set a clear direction for its advancement.

Enhancing global governance is a long-term endeavor that requires both visionary principles and sustained, concrete action. China stands ready to work with Israel and all nations to uphold courageously the great principle and the common good of the world, promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, resolutely safeguard the fruits of our victory in the War, and practice the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit.

By advancing the reform of the global governance system and building a community with a shared future for humanity, we can deliver greater benefits and forge a brighter future for people everywhere.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.

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I lifted my gaze, and my eyes involuntarily settled on a single name – Ho Feng Shan. From 1938 to 1940, he served as the Chinese Consul General in Vienna. At that time, Europe trembled under the iron heel of the Nazis, and for Jews, every day was a struggle against despair. In the face of rising darkness, Ho extended a hand of courage and compassion, issuing one "visa for life" after another. In less than six months, he helped nearly 2,000 Jews escape certain death. In the year 2000, the State of Israel honored him with the title "Righteous Among the Nations", and his name was forever etched in a memorial stone at the Garden of the Righteous at Yad Vashem.

Another Chinese recipient of this rare honor is Pan Jun-Shun. In 1916, he traveled to the Russian Empire in search of work. During World War II, amid brutal Nazi raids, Pan Jun-Shun, undeterred by danger, resolutely sheltered a Jewish girl named Ludmilla Genrichovna and raised her to adulthood – an episode that became a cherished chapter in history.

The Chinese people have always held a deep sense of friendship toward the Jewish people, and the acts of heroism by Ho Feng Shan and Pan Jun-Shun are by no means isolated cases. During World War II, Chinese cities like Shanghai, Harbin, and Tianjin opened their doors to a large number of Jewish refugees. Shanghai alone took in 25,000 Jewish people – more than the number of those accepted by Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and New Zealand combined. In early March of this year, during a visit to the National Library of Israel, I had the privilege of seeing several priceless items that bear witness to the long-standing friendship between the Chinese people and the Jewish people. Among these was the visa application form submitted by Ms. Stern, a Jewish woman residing in Berlin in 1936, seeking refuge in Harbin. The Chinese language textbooks used by students in China feature an article titled "There is No News from Auschwitz", and the suffering of the Jewish people has been woven into the collective memory of the Chinese nation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, an occasion that stirs our hearts as we reflect on the past. There is no fertile ground for anti-Semitism in China, and the enduring friendship between the Chinese and Jewish peoples is one that we should forever cherish and pass on.

As night fell, the State Memorial Ceremony on Mount Herzl proceeded as planned. At the lighting of the memorial torches, Holocaust survivor and one of this year's torchlighters, Mr. Fartouk stood solemnly and prayed, "May all the hostages come home soon."

The attack on October 7 shocked the world. In the wake of this tragedy, China strongly condemned all acts of violence against civilians and all violations of international humanitarian law, which apparently includes the violent attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7. At the same time, the world is contemplating why such violence keeps recurring. The two-State solution remains the only effective way to break the cycle of violence between Israel and Palestine.

Maintaining peace and stability is in the best interest of all countries in the region. China sincerely hopes for the safe and early return of the hostages, anticipates harmony between the Jewish and Arab peoples, and looks forward to the realization of the two-State solution. I believe that humanity will ultimately break free from the shackles of anguish. As emphasized by the theme of this year's State Memorial Ceremony, "Out of the Depths: The Anguish of Liberation and Rebirth", we will eventually rise from the depths of darkness and embrace a brighter future.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.

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First, the Chinese government's basic position on the Taiwan question remains unchanged.

During the "two sessions", Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in response to Taiwan-related questions at a press conference, said that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, which is the history and the reality. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the recovery of Taiwan. Eight decades ago, the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression put Taiwan back under China's sovereign jurisdiction. Both the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, issued by major victorious nations of WWII, stated in explicit terms that Taiwan is a territory that Japan had stolen from the Chinese, and shall be restored to China. Japan also accepted the terms of the Potsdam Proclamation and announced its unconditional surrender. All these have confirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan, and formed an important part of the post-WWII international order.

Resolution 2758 was later adopted in 1971 by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority. It decides to restore all the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China at the UN and expel forthwith the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the UN and all the organizations related to it. The only reference to the Taiwan region in the UN is "Taiwan, Province of China." Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future. To clamor for "Taiwan independence" is to split the country, to support "Taiwan independence" is to interfere in China's internal affairs, and to connive at "Taiwan independence" is to undermine the stability of the Taiwan Strait.

Second, the Chinese government's sincerity and goodwill in promoting the wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots remains unchanged.

In order to accommodate Taiwan's realities and safeguard the interests and wellbeing of our compatriots there, the Chinese government has been respecting, caring for, and bringing benefits to our Taiwan compatriots. The 2025 Government Work Report stated that "we will improve institutions and policies for promoting economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait and advance integrated cross-Strait development to improve the wellbeing of Chinese people on both sides. " This fully demonstrates the Chinese government's resolve to advance cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, expand  cross-Strait people-to-people interactions, and deepen integrated cross-Strait development. We will continue supporting investors and enterprises from Taiwan to do business in the mainland, enabling compatriots in Taiwan to share in the opportunities and achievements of Chinese modernization. We will create better conditions for young people from Taiwan to pursue and realize their dreams in the mainland, and unite compatriots in Taiwan to jointly promote the development of cross-Strait relations.

Third, the Chinese government's resolution to advance the cause of reunification remains unchanged.

The essence of the Taiwan question lies in the struggle between secession and anti-secession. It is a major principled issue of whether national sovereignty and territorial integrity should be safeguarded. On this question, 183 countries, including Israel, have chosen to stand on the right side of history and to establish and develop diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. We appreciate the Israeli government's long-standing adherence to the one-China policy.

The Taiwan question is a legacy of China's civil war. Since 1945, Taiwan has not been a foreign colony or under foreign occupation, and there is no question of people's right to self-determination. Cross-Strait relations are between the central and local authorities, and the future of Taiwan can only be determined by the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots.

For some time now, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan, with the connivance and support of some external forces, have been pursuing separatist activities by hook or by crook, seriously jeopardizing peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the safety and wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots. Realizing China's complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation, an inevitable trend of history and a matter of fundamental justice. The will of over 1.4 billion Chinese people to resolve the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification is as firm as a rock, and our capacity to do so is unshakable. We will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from China, nor will we leave any room for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

No matter how the situation changes, there is but one China in the world, and the basic fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China will not change. I hope our Israeli friends will not be misled by any Taiwan-related disinformation or false statements, and will not be exploited by the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel. 

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1. Confident

China's GDP exceeded 134.9 trillion RMB in 2024, registering a 5-percent increase year on year. The achievement enabled China to contribute over 30 percent to global economic growth and stay among the fastest growing major economies. China possesses resilience in its economy, potential in its market, and vitality in its companies. It also has the courage to confront risks and challenges, the capacity to solve problems, and the confidence to achieve the around 5-percent GDP growth target for 2025, as outlined in the Report on the Work of the Government 2025 (or the Report).

2. Heartwarming

The "two sessions" addressed public concerns and warmed people's hearts by introducing policies that will improve people's livelihood. The Report proposed to "pursue people-oriented macro policies", signaling that China's economic policies for 2025 will continue focusing on improving people's sense of fulfillment, happiness and security. The Chinese government will encourage more investment in people through funds and resources to create more opportunities, improve quality of life and foster a better environment for people's development. Investing in people is emerging as a new trend for private capital, unlocking significant potential in such sectors as education, healthcare and elderly care services. This will undoubtedly open up broader prospects for China-Israel practical cooperation.

3. Innovative

Technological innovation relies on professionals, who are trained through education. During this year's session of the National People's Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping took part in a deliberation with deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province. In light of building a modernized industrial system, he noted that education, technological development and training of professionals should be integrated, and that technological outcomes should be translated into true productivity. He also put forward requirements for technological and industrial innovation.

Innovation cooperation has become a highlight and a propeller of China-Israel practical cooperation. China-Israel cooperation platforms including Changzhou Innovation Park, Shanghai Innovation Park and Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, which are equipped with the "education+innovation+professionals" cooperation philosophy, have enabled both sides to yield fruitful outcomes in various fields such as new energy, life sciences and intelligent manufacturing. Innovation cooperation between our two countries will make greater achievements and open up brighter prospects.

4. Nature-friendly

During an interview on the sidelines of this year's "two sessions", Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu highlighted the contrast between two membranes taken from the PM2.5 air monitoring filter in Beijing – the black, heavily polluted one taken in 2015 and the gray, cleaner one from 2024. The comparison vividly demonstrates China's progress in reducing air pollution.

Ecological protection and governance have always been priorities for the Chinese government for years. Besides, according to the Report, energy reform will continue to be promoted with the goals of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. China has made significant progress in renewable energy including solar and wind power, while Israel has made breakthroughs in water management, energy storage, and electricity generation from renewables. By leveraging our complementary strengths, we can enhance coordination for more win-win results and jointly promote the development of clean energy

5. Agro-modern

The Report pointed out that China will advance the high-quality development of high-standard cropland for rural revitalization. Initiatives will be taken to invigorate the seed industry, step up the construction of irrigation and water conservancy facilities and the building of modern irrigation areas. China will also accelerate the R&D and application of advanced, appropriate agricultural machinery and equipment and the large-scale application of advances in agricultural science and technology. The Chinese people clearly remember that, in the past 40 years, Israel assisted China in agricultural modernization through cooperation in areas including drip irrigation, water-fertilizer integration management, automated farming and agricultural informatization. Looking ahead, Israeli and Chinese companies can cooperate and exchange knowledge in crop breeding and pest control, taking our agricultural innovation cooperation to a higher level.

As China continues to promote high-standard opening up, its new development will create new opportunities for Israel and beyond. The Chinese side is ready to work with Israel to promote the sound and stable development of China-Israel innovative comprehensive partnership and bring more benefits to both peoples.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.

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I am greatly honored to be appointed by President Xi Jinping as the 10th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel. I would like to send my best regards and extend my heartfelt gratitude to friends across the Israeli society who have given care and support to the development of China-Israel relations over the years.

Though located thousands of miles apart at different ends of the Asian continent, China and Israel have enjoyed sound and stable development in bilateral relations since the diplomatic ties were established more than 30 years ago, and significant outcomes have been gained through friendly exchanges and cooperation.

It can be attributed to the traditional friendship passed down from generation to generation. The Chinese and Jewish people each possess a long history and an ancient civilization, and enjoy a time-honored friendship that continues to flourish. There has never been antisemitism in China. During the Second World War, the two peoples supported each other, and Chinese cities of Shanghai, Harbin and Tianjin accommodated a large number of Jewish refugees, leaving many touching stories worth memorizing.

It can be attributed to the wisdom of seeking common ground while shelving differences. There is no direct and fundamental conflict of interests between China and Israel, nor are there any outstanding historical issues. We differ in culture, tradition, development stages, ideologies, and social systems, and we don't always have the same views on some issues. Despite that, during the exchanges, China and Israel have all along strictly abided by the basic norms governing international relations, including mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Israel reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle on many occasions. All those efforts have been conducive in keeping the bilateral relations in the right direction.

It can be attributed to the spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation. In 2017, China and Israel established Innovative Comprehensive Partnership. Both sides leverage respective advantages to achieve common development. Before coming to Israel, I paid a visit to the Changzhou Innovation Park and the Shanghai Innovation Park, and felt vividly the robust vitality of China-Israel innovation cooperation. After my arrival in Israel, I saw how popular the Chinese electric vehicles are in this country, and deeply believed that our win-win cooperation had broad prospects and tremendous possibilities.

Led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), China is advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese path to modernization. According to the strategic plans laid out in the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, China is making efforts to comprehensively deepen reforms, open up at a higher level, and achieve high-quality development. China's new development will bring new opportunities to Israel and all other countries around the world, and open up more possibilities for the China-Israel relations.

I have long been working on China's diplomacy on the Middle East, and thus deeply understand the value of peace. The first Hebrew word I encountered is "Shalom", which not only serves as a greeting but also carries the Jewish people's long desire for peace since ancient times. China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind. China actively advocates and is ready to work with all countries in delivering on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Following the situation between Israel and Lebanon, China welcomes the agreement reached by relevant parties on a ceasefire, and supports all the efforts conducive to easing tensions and achieving peace. As a friend to all Middle Eastern countries, China sincerely hopes for an early end to the fighting, the peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine, and between the Jewish and Arab people. China will continue playing a constructive role in fostering peace between Israel and Palestine, and promoting peace and stability in the region.

The Chinese often suggest taking a long view. China-Israel friendship is featured with solid foundation and complementary strengths in win-win cooperation. Our bilateral relationship is characterized with various dimensions, sufficient resilience, and broad prospects. As long as both sides consolidate confidence, work in joint hands, and look at and advance the bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, there will surely be a brighter future for China-Israel relations. As a Chinese saying goes, "Small streams can gradually converge into a broad river, and tiny flames can eventually become a great wildfire." I look forward to keeping close communication and having candid discussions with friends across the Israeli society, so as to increase mutual trust and jointly promote cooperation. Together, we will embrace the steady and sustained growth of China-Israel relations that continuously make new progress.

Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel.

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