Israel's PM ready for China talks

By Daniel Griffiths
BBC News, Beijing

Ehud Olmert's parents lived in the Chinese city of Harbin

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is starting a visit to China on Tuesday.

Talks are likely to be dominated by trade and diplomatic issues, but this visit will also have significant personal meaning for Mr Olmert.

His parents took refuge in north-eastern China in the early 1900s after fleeing persecution in Russia.

Trade between China and Israel is booming. Last year it was worth more than $700m (£362m) - up by one-third on the previous 12 months.

On the diplomatic front, the Israeli prime minister is likely to raise concerns about China's relationship with Iran.

Beijing is a major arms supplier to Tehran and Israel alleges that Chinese-made weapons are being used by Islamic militants against Israeli soldiers.

Diplomacy and business aside, this visit will also have significant personal meaning for Mr Olmert.

In the past Mr Olmert has talked of having a spiritual tie with China.

Two years ago he visited his grandfather's grave in north-eastern China, fulfilling a lifelong dream.