Diplomatic Events

 

Two months ago, the Chinese New Year, also referred to as Spring Festival, was inscribed on Unesco's intangible cultural heritage list of humanity. The Chinese New Year inaugurates the spring season and also celebrates family reunions. In China people travel great distances to celebrate the week of New Year with their loved ones. It strengthens family ties reflecting values of harmony between humans and nature. 

 

The ceremony started by the singing of both national anthems i.e. the People's Republic of China and Israel. 

 

An audio visual message by the President of Israel, H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog was shown on three large screens. In his message he conveyed his pleasure to have accepted the credentials of the People's Republic newly arrived ambassador, H.E. Mr. Xiao Junzheng. He also stated that the forthcoming Chinese New Year is represented by the snake, symbolizing renewal and transformation. The People's Republic of China and Israel has entered its fourth decade of bi - lateral relations, which the incumbent President's father was instrumental in establishing as he was the first Israeli President to visit China. In conclusion, the President stated that due to the People's Republic of China's geopolitical strategic position, it can help to counter global terrorism. 

 

A video was screened and produced by the P.R. of China's official news agency, the Xinhua News Agency. Despite the upheaval experienced in Israel since 7 October 2023, Chinese businesses continued as usual participating in Israel's economic development. China's Hainan Airlines continued flying and Chinese construction workers continued relentlessly showing their dedication. Students from China in Israel, travel enormous distances to be here and return home bringing back their knowledge to China.            

 

Two musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments from the city of Changzhou entertained the guests with two short duos. Their performance was followed by a traditional classical solo dance entitled "The Crystal Waves" accompanied by visual images on the three screens. 

Four musicians from the Israel Philharmonic played "Spring" from Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons, a three movement composition.

A musician from Guzheng played a solo on a traditional Chinese instrument followed by a sumptuous buffet of Chinese dumplings, sirloin, salmon, pasta and vegetables as well as a large selection of deserts followed by coffee and tea. A bar located in the centre of the banquet hall served wines from Yatir, an exclusive winery in the Negev.

 

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Xiao Jungzeng began his address by wishing Chinese living in Israel as Israeli friends of the Embassy a Happy New Year. In 2024, the 75 anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was celebrated, China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory. China's export volume grew to more than 25 trillion yuan and its foreign trade peaked to $ 6.2 trillion marking a 5% increase. Within one year, more than 10 million new energy vehicles have been produced.

Eighty two countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative and 119 countries and international organizations have announced their support for the Global Security Initiative. Deeper advances have been made in the high quality Belt and Road cooperation project joined by 155 countries.

China - Israel relations have grown steadily despite challenges. Practical cooperation in various fields have yielded fruitful outcomes bringing benefits to both peoples. 20 000 Chinese workers have remained to work in Israel during the conflict and China's Hainan Airlines are planning to increase its flight frequency. The new Haifa Port and the Tel Aviv Red Line light rail are functioning. The China - Israel Changzhou Innovation Park and the China - Israel Innovation Hub in Shanghai are progressing smoothly which has become a highlight of innovation between our two countries. Chinese electric cars are popular in Israel accounting for almost 70% of the local market. Chinese students, journalists and the Chinese community in Israel work hard at their posts intensifying and improving relations between China and Israel.

In 2025 China will prepare a new five year plan promoting modernization through high quality development, making a greater contribution to world peace and progress. 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of the World Anti - Fascist War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression.

During World War 11, Chinese cities namely Shanghai, Harbin and  Tianjin accomodated a great number of Jewish refugees.

China welcomes the new ceasefire agreement and hostage release from Gaza and firmly hopes that the agreement will be firmly implemented ensuring that Israeli hostages will return home safely and that regional peace and stability will soon be restored.

33 Years of Chinese and Israeli bilateral relations will be celebrated in two days. Since my arrival here almost two months ago, I have met many Israeli people from different sectors as well as spoken to representatives from Chinese companies and communities in Israel. From my interaction I feel a robust resilience, promising future and great potential between us.

The Ambassador concluded by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and the retrospective  countries peace and prosperity.               

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Xiao Jungzeng welcoming all guests: 

 

The Chinese New Year dinner in the south of the country always includes fish as it symbolizes prosperity. In the north of the country dumplings are served as it represents reunion. The world's longest and most viewed Gala programme is enjoyed by Chinese citizens and shown on New Year's eve.The  custom of giving and receiving red envelopes containing money, primarily to children is practised. Today red envelopes are sent digitally.