Jiang's visit to be first to Israel by Chinese head of state
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, April 3, 2000
JERUSALEM -- Chinese President Jiang Zemin will visit Israel on April
12 in the first trip to the Jewish state by a Chinese head of state, a tour
that has aroused concern in the United States.
Jiang will visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority during a tour that
will include Egypt, Greece, South Africa and Turkey. Israeli officials said
such issues as agriculture and military cooperation will be on the agenda.
In November, China's number two leader Li Peng, visited Israel. Jiang
will visit Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd., which is manufacturing the
Phalcon system that is being sold to China.
The Jiang visit comes amid increased U.S. criticism of Israel's military
relations with China. The Clinton administration is trying to stop the sale
of airborne early-warning systems to the Chinese air force.
On Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen arrives in Israel, where
he is expected to discuss Israeli arms sales to China. The Israeli Haaretz
daily said Prime Minister Ehud Barak appears ready to approve the
early-warning airborne deal with China.
Monday, April 3, 2000Monday, April 3, 2000
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