Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan ‘to attend innovation summit in Israel’
He will be most senior official from China to visit in nearly two decades, as Beijing seeks to boost hi-tech ties with the nation
Vice-President Wang Qishan will travel to Israel later this month to attend a major innovation summit, the most senior Chinese official to visit in nearly two decades, as Beijing moves to broaden hi-tech ties with the Middle Eastern nation, Israeli media reported.
Wang, known as a “firefighter” and President Xi Jinping’s right-hand man, is expected to head the fourth China-Israel Innovation Committee during the three-day trip from October 22 to 25, according to the local Haaretz newspaper.
He will reportedly take part in an innovation conference to be hosted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on October 24.
Chinese and Israeli authorities declined to confirm the visit, which would be Wang’s second overseas trip since he was appointed vice-president in March.
David Baker, senior foreign press coordinator for Israel’s prime minister, said he was aware of local media reports about Wang’s visit, but referred further questions to the relevant Chinese authorities. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said she was “not aware of the situation”.
