On March 16, 2012, Vice President Xi Jinping met with visiting Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi hailed the progress of China-Israel friendly cooperative relations in all areas since diplomatic ties were forged in 1992. Both sides have maintained frequent exchanges at all levels, continuously deepened economic and trade cooperation, conducted pragmatic cooperation in science, technology, agriculture and investment and carried out dynamic educational, cultural, local and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed hope that both sides will take the opportunity of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen political trust and boost friendly exchanges in order to further bilateral ties.

Xi said China has always advocated and strived for a comprehensive, fair and reasonable solution to conflicts in the Middle East. China believes Israel, Palestine and other Arabic countries should settle disputes, realize reconciliation and achieve comprehensive and lasting peace between Israel and Arabic states via political negotiations, he said. Xi highlighted existing principles and agreements as a foundation for the negotiations, including United Nations resolutions, the "Land-for-Peace" principle, the Arab Peace Initiative and the "roadmap for peace".

Lieberman fully agreed with Xi's comments on bilateral ties. Lieberman said the Jewish and Chinese people share a profound traditional friendship. Exchanges and cooperation in all areas have achieved fruitful results since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Israel attaches great importance to its relations with China and will work to promote bilateral friendly cooperative ties, he said, adding that Israel hopes to realize peaceful co-existence with Arabic countries.