Diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the People's Republic of China were formally established on 24 January 1992. From that moment on, relations rapidly developed in many areas. Currently, cooperation between the two countries is flourishing on many different levels such as science, agriculture, culture and of course economics and commerce.
ECONOMICS: There has been rapid growth in economic and commercial ties between Israel and China during the past 15 years. The formal infrastructure of these ties was quickly established, with the signing of a series of agreements. The level of mutual trade grew rapidly, from $ 54 million in 1992 to $ 3.39 billion in 2006.
At the beginning of the relationship, trade was primarily focused on the fields of agriculture, chemicals and water. Today Israel-China commerce also encompasses the fields of life sciences, hi-tech and venture capital. The recognition of China's importance for Israeli industry and economy, combined with government support for Israeli business enterprises in China have made China a primary objective of Israeli business activity.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION: Another field in which there is a high level of cooperation between the two countries is in the field of international aid.
MASHAV, the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allocates considerable resources to its activities in China, and the level of aid to China is greater than that of any other country. The cornerstone-laying ceremony of the China-Israel Cooperation Center for Modern Dairy Technology took place recently in the presence of Prime Minister Olmert. The modern training center will educate new generations of Chinese dairy farmers in advanced dairy theories and methods, all based on the latest Israeli technology.
CULTURE: Israel and China operate an extensive cultural exchange program, which in fact began even before the establishment of formal relations. In order to increase the level of Chinese exposure to Israeli culture, the Israeli embassy both independently "imports" cultural programs and encourages Chinese cultural authorities to import additional Israeli cultural programs to China.
Although formal relations between Israel and China have existed only for the last 15 years, Israel is extremely pleased with the rate and scope of their development, and will strive to continue to improve this relationship.