In January 2006, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, who diplomatic officials in Jerusalem have said is as concerned about a nuclear Iran as Israel, went to China and reportedly told the Chinese leadership that Saudi Arabia would make up for any oil shortfall that might arise were the Iranians to cut back oil to China as punishment for sanctions.

On Wednesday Mr Olmert met Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who reportedly offered his assurance that Beijing would not permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

Diplomatic officials said that in private contacts between Israeli and Chinese diplomats recently, the Chinese have emphasized their opposition to the Iranian nuclear program and have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate with attempts to stop it.

While Iran does not pose a direct threat to China, Beijing is concerned that a nuclear Iran would destabilize the region, something that could push oil prices way up and jeopardize the flow of oil - both of which could have a devastating effect on China's breakneck economy.

"The fact that the Chinese are saying that they do not want an Iran with nuclear bombs has great significance," AFP news agency reported him as saying.