The Bush administration has conveyed to Tel Aviv its concern over Israel's weapon sales to China. "We have had some very tough conversations with the Israelis on this matter," said U.S. Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice ahead of a weekend visit to the Middle East. "They now understand the seriousness of the matter, and we will continue to speak about it."
Rice is to arrive in in the region Friday for weekend talks with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
She said Washington is "worried" about China's growing military modernization, and is trying to avoid a mililtary escalation with Beijing. "We were worried, and I'd hoped our Israeli friends would understand that the United States has a responsibility to defend the Pacific Ocean," she said.
