Olmert's trip to Beijing is the final leg of a visit to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to discuss Iran's nuclear issue and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Yin Gang, a senior Middle East researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the Jewish state believes it is very important to go to Beijing and spell out its concerns over a nuclear Iran.

Olmert's trip comes on the heels of a visit to Beijing by Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani.

China's efforts to kick-start the dialogue between the Israelis and the Palestinians is also high on Olmert's agenda.

Speaking to Xinhua News Agency ahead of his trip, Olmert welcomed China's increasing participation in the Middle East and expected it to strengthen peace and stability in the region.

Calling China an important country that plays a significant role in regional and global issues, Olmert said "anything China can contribute to facilitate the political dialogue is something Israel will always welcome".

Yin said China has continually expressed its position on issues in the Middle East in a clear-cut manner since last year, and shared similar views with other major countries.

"Israel understands that China keeps close ties with the Arabic countries and is hoping China plays a more active role in the region's affairs," Yin said.

Israeli and Palestinian representatives met in Beijing for a seminar on the Middle East peace process last month. It was the first non-governmental seminar of its kind China has ever initiated on the issue.

Source: China Daily