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Israel Works to Defuse U.S. Concerns over Chinese Control of Haifa Port
(Jerusalem Post) Michael Wilner - The Israeli government is working to defuse any problems that may arise from a planned Chinese takeover of Haifa Port in 2021, senior officials told the Jerusalem Post on Tuesday. "The State of Israel is dealing with all aspects connected to the establishment and management of infrastructure by foreign companies in Israel," said Intelligence and Transportation Minister Israel Katz, who pioneered the project and is also a member of the security cabinet. Israeli officials confirmed that the government was reviewing how to ensure that Chinese construction and management of the port does not adversely impact ties with the U.S. The Americans are said to be concerned that China will use the port to gather intelligence on U.S. interests. The Israeli security cabinet recently convened to discuss issue and agreed to set up a mechanism to prevent possible problems. Israel understands American sensitivities regarding China's presence, another official explained, but faces a challenge finding international companies with expertise in building and managing ports. China's Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), which operates the largest port in the world in Shanghai, was the sole bidder for the Haifa project.