09 January 2006
Israel's prime minister Ehud Olmert has arrived in China for a visit with concerns over Iran's nuclear program high on the agenda. Olmert was to meet Chinese president Hu Jintao, prime minister Wen Jiabao and commerce Minister Bo Xilai during his three-day trip. The trip marks the 15-year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, whose good relations have been marred by occasional political and trade tensions. Last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said he hoped Olmert's trip would further deepen the "profound friendship" shared between the Chinese and Israeli people. A potentially sensitive issue Olmert is likely to bring up is Iran's nuclear program. Israel accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons and has supported efforts by the UN Security Council, where China is a permanent member, to impose sanctions against the Iranians. Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. Another topic could be China's role as a major arms supplier to Iran. Israel also alleges that Chinese-made weapons were used by Hezbollah guerrillas in last summer's Lebanon war, including an anti-ship cruise missile that was fired at an Israeli vessel on 14 July 2006, killing four servicemen
