Leading Chinese official arrives for four-day tour

By HERB KEINON
Liu Qi, a member of China's Politburo central committee and president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics, arrived Tuesday for a four-day visit that will combine political meetings with economic ones. Liu, formerly Beijing's mayor, is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Defense Minister Amir Peretz, Vice Premier Shimon Peres, and Industry and Trade Minister Eli Yishai. He will also meet with the heads of Israel's Olympic committee, as well as with local business leaders. Liu will be accompanied by 17 Communist Party members, and a delegation representing 14 of the leading companies in China. He is also expected to sign a "sister city" agreement with Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai.