Peres seeks Chinese help in peace process

8220;China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it speaks with a respected voice and has good relations with both Israel and Arab countries.8221;

Peres, who won the 1994 Nobel peace prize for initiating the Middle East peace process, arrived in Beijing yesterday from Moscow.

8220;Now the world has entered a phase of globalisation, people should have a new understanding of the situation in the Middle East,8221; he said.

8220;But some people in Israel and Arab countries hold on to outmoded ideas in a new age.8221;

Peres, honorary president of the council for the promotion of Israel-China relations, is also scheduled to meet Chinesevice-premier and former foreign minister Qian Qichen Saturday. He will also visit a mosque before leaving next Wednesday.

Peres8217;s successor as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to visit China from May 26 to 28.