Chinese-operated port in Haifa should be closed during the war due to "ties with Iran and Russia," says Ashdod Port head
Chinese-operated port in Haifa should be closed during the war due to "ties with Iran and Russia," says Ashdod Port head
Shaul Schneider, the chairman of Ashdod Port, claims in a letter he sent to the Shipping and Ports Authority that the Bayport in Haifa operated by the Shanghai International Port Group allows the Chinese to access sensitive information of strategic importance
The chairman of the Ashdod Port demands that the Chinese company Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) that manages the Bayport in Haifa be prohibited from continuing to operate it until the end of the war. In a letter sent to the director of the Shipping and Ports Authority, Zadok Redker, Shaul Schneider also claimed that the Chinese company's representatives should no longer be invited to meetings and be provided with updates that are of a sensitive nature.
Schneider claims in his letter that while the Chinese have been defined by the West as part of the "axis of evil" due to their extensive ties with Iran and Russia, in Israel representatives of the Chinese port are exposed to information that is considered sensitive and of strategic importance, which may harm Israel's national and economic resilience. He also claims that China turned its back on Israel during the war and even openly acted against it. For example, it ordered shipping giant COSCO to stop sending its ships to Israel. He further claims that China is complicit in imposing a de facto maritime embargo by cooperating with Iran and the Houthis and preventing the passage of ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Schneider further explained that the Authority is helping the Chinese's plan of "One Road, One Belt", which is intended to provide the Chinese with control over global trade routes.
The Shipping and Ports Authority is a statutory authority in the Ministry of Transport whose role is to supervise all port corporations, including the three port companies (Eilat, Ashdod and Haifa) and the Israel Ports Development & Assets Company.
The Authority is responsible for all maritime traffic in Israel and is in charge of ensuring that the Israeli shipping infrastructure can operate even during an emergency. In theory, it could rescind SIPG's license if it indeed fears it is involved in hostile activity.
In response to the letter, the Bayport stated: "Unfortunately, there are elements that are taking advantage of the current situation to harm competition and return the seaports in Israel to the days of government monopoly. The Bayport Company is an Israeli company owned by SIPG. The company directly employs over 130 Israeli workers, and 300 additional workers provide operational services to Bayport. Thanks to the trust of the customers, who appreciate the efficient, high-quality and fast service in the field of container unloading and loading, the Bayport managed to handle over 800,000 containers in 2023 alone and overtake the competing port. The level of service received by the customers of the Bayport encourages competition and contributes to Israel's economy. The Bayport Company is committed to maintaining the contract with the State of Israel, including the obligation to continue operating even in an emergency, as has been proven in recent months. The Bayport is subject to the entire system of laws and regulations in Israel and is careful to implement them. The Bayport will continue to provide its customers with the highest level of service in the world, contributing to the promotion of competition in the port industry, and to help the growth of the Israeli economy. Self-interested parties should not be allowed to harm the healthy competition in the port industry."
