CAIRO Ñ Egypt and China are discussing the resumption of weapons cooperation.

Western defense sources in Cairo said the discussions are meant to renew links suspended by U.S. pressure in the mid-1990s. The sources said China has been a leading contributor to Egypt's missile and nonconventional weapons programs.

The two countries are discussing avenues of cooperation during the current visit by a Chinese defense delegation to Cairo. The delegation is headed by Chinese minister Liu Jibin. Liu heads China's National Defense Sciences,Technology and Industry Commission.

The delegation met Egyptian State Minister for Military Production Said Mashaal. Mashaal is responsible for Egypt's defense industries, the largest in the Arab world. Later on Tuesday, the delegation met Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi.

Egyptian government sources said Cairo has proposed a range of joint ventures with Beijing. The state-run Middle East News Agency said the ventures would focus in electronics.

China and Egypt are preparing to roll out the first K-8 trainer aircraft for the Egyptian military. Liu will attend the rollout ceremony later this week.

Western defense sources said in return for Chinese industrial aid, Egypt has been supplying Western-based technology to Beijing. The sources said China is preparing to upgrade its military presence in Egypt in preparation for an upgrade in defense cooperation.

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