Olmert to visit China for talks on trade ties

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert turns his focus away from the Middle East this week, heading to China to boost his country's booming trade ties with the Asian economic giant. The visit, marking the 15-year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, is expected to steer clear of Mideast issues, focusing instead on economic, technological and military links between the nations. It also will have special personal meaning for Olmert, whose parents took refuge in China in the early 20th century after fleeing persecution in Russia. Israel and China generally enjoy good relations, though ties have been strained at times.