China playing bigger role in Middle East (3)

Bilateral ties

Despite the attention on the peace process in the Middle East, Hua said the main focus of the visits will be on bilateral relations.

China's investment and infrastructure construction will be included in talks between Abbas and Chinese leaders.

Hua said China and the Palestinians have a traditional friendship, and China's support for Palestine in past decades has won its respect and trust.

Differences over the Palestinian issue remain between China and Israel but they do not harm bilateral ties, Hua said, adding that Netanyahu's visit this time is expected to result in more economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Netanyahu is set to begin his visit in Shanghai, where he will meet business leaders, before flying to Beijing for talks with Chinese leaders.

He is expected to sign several bilateral deals with China in sectors such as agriculture and water during his visit, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade worth about $10 billion, Reuters reported.

It is the first trip by a top Israeli leader to China since former prime minister Ehud Olmert's trip in 2007.