Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been invited to make an official visit to China. Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Tang Jiaxuan, who is currently visiting Israel and Palestine, extended the invitation to Sharon during a meeting, saying that such a visit could improve bilateral relations.

Observers say that the visit will take place if Israel and China are able to get over the friction arising from a snagged Israeli-Chinese weapons deal.

Prime Minister Sharon also spoke about the situation with the Palestinians and emphasized that Israel will not be satisfied with words but wants to see tangible steps taken against terrorism. He added that Israel has yet to see even the smallest of steps in this area from the Palestinian leadership.

Prime Minister Sharon briefed his guest on the videoconference he held this morning with Foreign Ministry representatives in Beijing and expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation and to increase the scope of bilateral trade, which is currently worth over $2 billion.

The Chinese Deputy Prime Minister is on a regional visit and has met with Abu Mazen and Abu Ala of the Palestinian Authority (PA). In Israel, he has met with Industry, Trade and Employment Minister Ehud Olmert, Tourism Minister Gideon Ezra and Labor Party Chairman MP Shimon Peres.