Israel Shuts Chengdu Consulate Amid Strained China Ties
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Israel has closed its consulate general in Chengdu, and consul general Gadi Harpaz has left his post after describing his five years there as the most memorable of his diplomatic career . The shutdown, first announced in June and implemented in July, is being read as another sign of fraying China-Israel ties during the wider Middle East conflict, although an analyst cited in the report said relations had already been under strain for years .
Key Points
- In a farewell letter published on Wednesday, Gadi Harpaz said he was leaving with sadness and nostalgia after five years in Chengdu .
- The Chengdu consulate officially ceased operations in July, after an initial announcement in June about the diplomatic mission’s closure .
- Israel now maintains its embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong after the Chengdu shutdown .
- Late last year, Israel said it would close one diplomatic mission in China, and a cancelled job posting fuelled speculation about Chengdu .
- The closure follows a 2023 backlash after the consulate posted a handwritten Chinese letter expressing support for Israel after Hamas’ October attack .
Why It Matters
The closure highlights how the Gaza war has complicated China-Israel relations, especially after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in October 2023 that Israel’s actions had gone beyond self-defence . Even if the practical diplomatic impact is limited by Israel’s remaining missions in China, the move signals a colder political atmosphere and reduced room for local outreach in western China .