China’s digital yuan: should Israel be concerned?
In the midst of confronting a crisis of epic proportions, the People’s Bank of China introduced the “digital yuan” pilot programs across four citie —making China the world’s first global superpower to roll out a national digital currency. That China’s leadership rolled out this project in late April while simultaneously dealing with the profound social, […]
China’s bear hug for the blockchain
As the world confronts the profound social, economic and political challenges that have emerged in the wake of Covid-19, Beijing has unleashed digital innovations that hold profound implications for the future of international trade, global governance, and geopolitics. On April 25, in the midst of battling the pandemic, China’s government established the world’s largest blockchain ecosystem, […]
Pompeo Visits Israel: China is likely to be on the agenda
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is due to land in Israel on Wednesday. His visit coincides with the swearing-in of a new Israeli government, breaking the country’s year-long political deadlock. The COVID-19 pandemic and moves towards annexing parts of the West Bank are likely to dominate Mr. Pompeo’s discussions with both Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. […]
Containing COVID-19: what the US & China can learn from Israel
COVID-19 has now spread to over 200 territories around the globe, infected 3,232,061 people, and claimed the lives of 228,504. Healthcare systems are being overwhelmed, and global supply chains have been severely disrupted. The sheer magnitude of this crisis beckons for countries to work together to contain the virus. Nevertheless, America and China have decided to play the blame […]
Comprehending China’s media: the case of Itzik HaSini
The American-based Epoch Times recently ran a Hebrew-language piece, supposedly exposing the affectionately named “Itzik HaSini” (“Itzik the Chinese”) as an employee of China’s state media. While presenting Itzik HaSini, whose name is Xi Shiu Chi, as a secretive tool through which Beijing seeks to ‘control world opinion,’ what the piece failed to take into account was […]
Coronavirus and the Paradox of Social Distancing
Until the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of “social distancing” likely never crossed your mind. But today, from Singapore to the UK, it has become part of everyday vernacular. Here in Israel, people have been encouraged by the government to keep their distance from others, avoid public gatherings and, if possible, work from home. […]
The impact of the coronavirus in China: Implications for Israel
The coronavirus has so far infected more than 200,000 people and claimed almost 10,000 lives. Aside from the major challenge posed to public health systems across the world, it is already clear that China’s massive presence on the international stage and the interdependency of the global economy means the virus is likely to cause far-reaching economic and geopolitical […]
Response to – Can China Replace the United States in Israel?
As the US – China competition has deepened during the past year, Israel has responded proactively to American concerns about Chinese acquisition of Israeli technology. This includes a strengthened review process for investments in Israel. Furthermore, Jerusalem acted swiftly with a security review when Washington expressed worries over China’s investment in the new section of the […]
Healthcare Israel for China’s Healthcare
Safeguarding the physical health of the world’s most populous nation is easier said than done. Nevertheless, the ambitious President Xi Jinping has explicitly expressedthat a healthy community is necessary for continued economic and social growth, and therefore a priority. Following the devastating 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, handled pragmatically by then Paramount Leader Hu Jintao, […]
Middle East presentation at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, by Mr. Ahmed Al Mansoori, Dubai
The 2019 Beijing Xiangshan hosted a variety of concurrent sessions focusing on critical issues facing China, the region, and the world. Two of the sessions addressed Security Developments in the Middle East. SIGNAL’s Executive Director, Carice Witte, spoke at the first session about regional developments. Also on the panel were experts from China, Germany, and Pakistan. Joining the second session on the Middle East was former UAE parliamentarian, Ahmed Almansoori from Dubai. Mr. Almansoori’s talk presented an analysis of key challenges facing the Middle East and offered fresh ideas on how to address these issues. Mr. Almansoori is an innovative thinker who is committed to re-examining existing conventional wisdom to identify new ways to foster the development and success of societies in the Middle East. The full transcript of his talk can be found here.