Chinese and foreign leaders are seizing the largest-ever Paralympics as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations.

Government leaders and royalty from 13 countries have come to Beijing for the event.

Among them is German President Horst Kohler.

His trip comes on the heels of German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck's Monday visit to the Chinese capital, where he met Vice-Premier Li Keqiang for more than an hour. Steinbrueck later told reporters he was impressed by Chinese leaders' frankness and sincerity in cooperation.

High-level visits between the two countries have become frequent in recent weeks, and Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie will visit Germany next week.

In a recent interview with the Medium Bavarian Zeitung, Kholer said the Olympics has been helping China open up to the world. He said he will discuss Tibet and human rights issues with Chinese leaders in Beijing with "a tone of respect for what the country had achieved".

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will also be in the spotlight during his short stay in Beijing. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that Ahmadinejad's visit is aimed at "highlighting the great ability of the athletes with disabilities".

On Tuesday, Iran's ambassador to China Javad Mansouri told reporters the president's visit will also boost bilateral relations. In addition to meeting Chinese leaders, Ahmadinejad will also meet Persian-language professors and Iranian intellectuals in Peking University as well as compatriots residing in China, Mansouri said.

International leaders to attend the Paralympics also include the Republic of Korea's Prime Minister Han Seung-so, Spain's Princess Infanta Elena and Ecuador's Vice-President Lenin Moreno, who has had a wheelchair since he was paralyzed during a robbery in 1998.

President Hu Jintao will host a state luncheon for the visiting leaders and International Paralympic Committee officials at the Great Hall of the People on Saturday.

Unlike the state banquet for the Olympics, this dinner will be hosted on the Hall's first floor for the convenience of guests who have wheelchairs.

(China Daily September 6, 2008)