But the sources did not rule out the prospect that the Chinese visit
could lead to a resumption of military cooperation with Israel. They said
they did not know of high-level Chinese military visits planned for later
2010.
On March 21, Israel's military hosted a senior Chinese Defense Ministry
official, Middle East Newsline reported. Col. Huang Xueping, spokesman for the ministry and Chinese
military, began a four-day visit to Israel, where he was briefed on the
operations of the Israeli military spokesman's office.
"The Chinese delegation will be presented with the public-relations
lessons learnt during the Second Lebanon War and during Operation Cast
Lead," the Israeli military said on March 22. "Additionally, they will learn
about the IDF School for Media's training system and the integration of
spokesmanship and operational planning."
The statement said the Chinese delegation would tour the border with the
Gaza Strip and visit military units. Huang has been accompanied by several
aides, including a colonel in the Chinese Defense Ministry.
The visit was said to have been the first in years that dealt with
military cooperation between China and Israel. In 2005, defense and military
cooperation between Beijing and Jerusalem was suspended in wake of U.S.
pressure on the Jewish state to cancel an unmanned aerial vehicle program
for China's military. Israel paid more than $300 million in fines and
compensation for the canceled project.
"The delegation is also due to visit other military units and will be
briefed on the IDF's activity in Judea and Samaria, with an emphasis on the
quality of life of the Palestinian population and the media-related issues
that are dealt with on a daily basis," the statement said.
Still, the Chinese military delegation has been accompanied by that of
senior political leaders. On March 24, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu
was scheduled to hold talks with Israel leaders in Jerusalem. Hui marked the
highest-level Chinese official to visit Israel in 2010.
"The visit will focus on the need to impose sanctions on Iran," the
official said.
