CV
Galia Lavi is head of the IMEC Project and Deputy Director of The Diane & Guilford Glazer Israel-China Policy Center. Her main areas of research are Chinese involvement in Israel’s infrastructure, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China's foreign policy in the Middle East, and China-United States relations. Galia submitted her dissertation to Tel Aviv University’s School of History on the topic of "From Foreign Tracks to National Rails: The Development of Railways in Late Qing China." She holds a BA and an MA (Summa Cum Laude) in East Asian Studies from Tel Aviv University.

Galia Lavi
Head of the IMEC Project and Deputy Director of The Diane & Guilford Glazer Israel-China Policy Center
galial@inss.org.il
03-640-0416
Publications
All PublicationsInteractive Map: Transportation, Communication, and Energy Infrastructure in the Middle East
The integrated map offers a broad, clear, and accessible visual overview of the current state and plans for transportation, communication, and energy infrastructure in the Middle East. At a time when regional infrastructure is becoming a central factor in shaping economic, political, and security relations, the map enables a rapid understanding of the complex network of connections spanning across the region.
By integrating multiple layers of information, users can focus on each domain separately or explore interactions among them, including land and maritime transport routes, communication lines, and digital infrastructure, as well as energy transmission networks for oil, gas, and renewable energy. The map highlights not only what currently exists in practice, but also initiatives in planning, projects under development, and future opportunities for regional cooperation.
This interactive presentation allows users to identify key trends, understand how infrastructure influences the flow of goods, information, and energy, and pinpoint strategic nodes. In this way, the map serves as a decision-support tool for policymakers, researchers, professionals, and the broader public alike.
Beyond presenting data, the integrated map provides a wider geographical, economic, and strategic context, helping to interpret the evolving dynamics of the Middle East, where infrastructure is not only a means of connection but also a central driver in shaping a shared regional future.
7 May, 2026China–Iran Relations Put to the Test of War: A Limited Strategic Partnership
Why, to date, has Beijing refrained from adopting a resolute stance in support of Tehran?
15 March, 2026Committed to Itself: China and the Israel-Iran War
What opportunities and risks did Beijing see during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran—and what gains and losses did it draw at its conclusion?
14 July, 2025Continuity and Change in Chinese Rhetoric Toward Israel Since October 7
What can be learned from the Chinese statements made since the beginning of the war in Gaza—and are we recently witnessing a change in tone in favor of Israel?
17 November, 2024The UAE’s G42 Group—Between China and the United States
On the relationship between an Emirati technology company, its ties with China, and the relations between Abu Dhabi and Washington
7 November, 2024China–UAE Space Cooperation: Risk or Opportunity for Israel?
In 2011, the American Congress passed the Wolf Amendment, which prohibits NASA from collaborating with China and organizations identified with China on space research. However, as shown in this paper, information collected by NASA and by the Israeli Space Agency could reach China indirectly through the United Arab Emirates, which collaborates with both the United States, Israel, and China. Could collaboration with the UAE on space research put Israel at risk and lead to friction with the US (for example, in a situation where Israeli technology passes from the UAE to China), or could the UAE precedent pave the way for broader collaborations in the field of space that could create new opportunities for Israel?
2024-04-04 All magazine articles
Media
All media China Pushes for US Visit Amid Weakening Iran Ties
17 March, 2026
Don’t Read Too Much into China’s Rhetorical Shift on Israel
19 November, 2024