Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deserves credit for issuing Israel with what Breaking Defense reports was a stern warning on its cooperation with China. Israeli support for Chinese technology interests has been tolerated too long.
As he visited Israel this week, the publication says Pompeo has offered Israeli leaders a “very specific political warning – Israel must stop any action that strengthens the Chinese Communist Party, even if that means canceling projects already planned.”
If true, this is welcome news. While Israel has sought to balance American concerns with Chinese investment opportunities, the balance has skewed far too far in the latter’s favor in recent years. And while some might gripe at the appearance of a U.S. politician appearing to dictate foreign policy to a sovereign democratic nation, it’s absolutely necessary in this case.
After all, China’s global effort to hide the truth about the origins of the coronavirus pandemic is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Beijing’s threat. In cyber-space Chinese intelligence officers are stealing hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. intellectual property each year. In the South China Sea China is replicating Imperial Japan’s 1930s efforts to turn the Pacific Ocean into a feudal empire. Around the world, China is bullying nations to kneel to its economic and political interest. Considering how China treats its own citizens in places like Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and, well, the entirety of China, we should be keen to avoid China’s rising dominance.
Unfortunately, Israel has indirectly supported these Chinese efforts in recent years.
That challenge has included Israel’s decision to allow China to build out its strategic Mediterranean port at Haifa, but also Israel’s welcoming of Chinese access into its boutique technology sector. The knowledge that China has accrued from its access to high-technology software and hardware has strengthened its ability to locate American military targets in war. Something that no American should abide. But up until now, Pompeo has been wary about confronting Israeli activity to the degree that is necessary.
If that has now changed, we should welcome it. Israel is one of America’s closest allies. But alliances come with responsibilities, and Israel’s avoiding close relations with our greatest adversary shouldn’t be a complicated proposition.
