Israel has shut down its consulate in the Chinese city of Chengdu, signalling further strain in relations between Jerusalem and Beijing as China deepens its engagement with Iran and Arab countries and adopts a broader West Asia policy.

The closure comes amid growing differences between Israel and China over Beijing’s position on the Gaza war and its expanding ties with countries across West Asia.

“Although the consulate general is closing, the bridges of friendship, mutual respect and shared memories we built over the last five years will endure,” PTI quoted Harpaz as saying.

Israel still maintains diplomatic missions in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, along with its embassy in Beijing.