EVENTSPAST EVENTS

Through programs like the Belt & Road Initiative, and the funding of massive infrastructural commercial projects, the People’s Republic of China has fostered ties with many important players in the Middle East simultaneously, connecting the region in many ways. This event explored what a Chinese Middle east will mean for Israel economically and politically, whether China will utilize its economic influence throughout the region to encourage economic cooperation, whether China’s economic presence could help to reshape the region’s conflicts, and whether China’s peace initiative presented in 2017 will influence developments in the Middle East.

This event was run by Israel-Asia Leaders Fellow, Katie Wachsberger, as part of her fellowship initiative. Events partners were the Manufacturers Association of Israel, the Forum for Regional Thinking, the Israel-Asia Center, the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce, and the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute.

Opening remarks:
Dan Catarivas – Director General, International Relations, Manufacturers Association of Israel
Katie Wachsberger – Israel-Asia Leaders Fellow
Keynote Speaker:
Maj. Gen. (ret.) Matan Vilnai – Former Ambassador of Israel to China

Background on the Sino-Israel Relationship
Prof. Aron Shai – Tel Aviv University
What are China’s incentives for increased involvement int he Middle East?
Sam Chester – Indigo Global
Doron Ella – INSS
Kobi Levy – Forum For Regional Thinking
Ehud Gonen – HMS
Yigal Maor – Shopping & Ports Economies & Operations

The Belt & Road Initiative, and potential business bridges between Israel, China and nations of the Middle East
Dan Catarivas
Hagit Ben Yaacov – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Roi Feder – APCO Israel
Peggy Mizrachi – Indigo Global
Yuya Jiang – KPMG

What is to be expected of China’s future policies regarding regional conflicts?
Katie Wachsberger – Israel-Asia Leaders Fellow/Forum For Regional Thinking
Nimrod Goren – Mitvim
Alexander Pevzner – Chinese Media Center
Roie Yellinek – INSS