Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker, the top U.S. diplomat for Near East affairs, said in a speech that we are concerned that an exodus of advanced Israeli technology could jeopardize U.S. interests. In a speech at the Scripps Research Institute, Schenker said the United States is concerned that the Chinese Communist Party could penetrate Israel’s high-tech industries. This is the first time a senior U.S. government official has publicly warned the Chinese Communist Party against involvement in Israeli high-tech.
Over the past four years, the Trump administration has been on the offensive to curb China’s influence in the world. In this context, the Trump administration has pressured Israel to “cool” its ties with Beijing and to guard against the Communist Party’s “invasion” of the Israeli economy. Israel has not set restrictions on investment by Chinese high-tech companies, and U.S. pressure has been limited.
Israel’s high-tech industry is a major target for the Chinese,” said Chen K., the U.S. diplomat in charge of Near Eastern affairs. We are concerned that the Chinese will gain access to Israeli technology that could put the United States at risk.”
Chenk added, “We would like to see Israel do more to monitor Chinese investment, particularly in the high-tech sector.”
The assistant secretary of state stressed that the United States would not expect Israel to stop trading with China, but hoped that Israel would not harbor any illusions about its relationship with Beijing.
In his speech, he said, “Do you think China will one day defend Israel like the United States did, or will it reach an agreement like the Abraham Accords?” The Abrahamic Agreement is the Peace Agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, signed on August 13, 2020.
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