Both China and Israel should observe the independent principle to handle bilateral ties and eliminate the external interference, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao at a regular press conference in Beijing Thursday.

Liu said this in reply to a question saying that the United States put pressure on Israel's arms sales to China on the eve of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's visit to Israel.

Liu said during Li's visit, he will exchange views with the Israeli side on all issues related to bilateral relations.

He said China values relations with Israel, adding that development of the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries is in the common interests of the two sides, and conducive to regional peace and stability.

The Chinese foreign minister will pay an official visit to Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria and Lebanon from June 17 to 26.

Source: Xinhua