Why did Ashdod port warn about SIPG during the Gaza war?

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Ashdod Port Chairman Expressed Concerns Over Chinese-Run Terminal Amidst Gaza War

The chairman of Ashdod Port issued a warning regarding the Chinese-run terminal at Haifa Port, designating it as a strategic risk during the ongoing Gaza conflict. This concern was articulated in a letter to Israel's shipping and ports authority, highlighting actions by China, which the chairman described as part of an "axis of evil." The chairman specifically pointed to the suspension of trade with Israel by Chinese container shipping lines COSCO and OOCL since the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as evidence of a "trade boycott" by China. In response to these developments, Ashdod Port announced it would cease information-sharing with the SIPG terminal and halt full partnership in sensitive situational assessments concerning emergency scenarios and strategic threats.
Ashdod Port Chairman Cited Chinese Shipping Lines' Suspension as a "Trade Boycott"

Shaul Schneider, chairman of Ashdod Port's board of directors, stated in a January 17 letter that the decisions by COSCO and OOCL to suspend trade with Israel constituted a "trade boycott." He argued that these actions have diminished Israel's standing as an international trade hub and could negatively impact the Israeli economy if other companies follow suit. This move by Ashdod Port to halt information-sharing and partnership in strategic assessments reflects a broader Israeli maritime concern about the potential security risks posed by Chinese investment in its ports.
Shipping Authority Chief Dismissed Ashdod Port Chairman's Claims as Inaccurate

The head of Israel's shipping and ports authority responded to Schneider's letter by calling it "inaccurate to the point of being wrong" and warned that it could inflict "serious damage to Israel’s seaborne trade and foreign relations and even damage the war effort." The authority chief characterized COSCO's decision to halt operations in Israel as a purely "business decision." He also affirmed that his authority collaborates with all Israeli security agencies and that SIPG's local subsidiary operates as a regulated Israeli company, thereby downplaying the alleged strategic risk.
Haifa's Bayport Terminal Emphasized Adherence to Israeli Authority Instructions

Haifa's Bayport Terminal, controlled by China's SIPG, stated that it operates under clear rules during emergencies, following instructions from Israeli authorities, similar to other port terminals in Israel. The terminal clarified that its business activities and objectives are guided by its management and board of directors, not by any foreign government. Bayport also suggested that some entities might be exploiting the current situation to undermine competition and restore a government monopoly over seaports. Despite the controversy, ocean freight rates from Shanghai to Ashdod had nearly doubled by January 22nd since the beginning of the year, indicating continued, albeit more costly, trade flow.

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Why did Ashdod port warn about SIPG during the Gaza war?

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