China's president heading to Middle East

Hu will visit Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, from April 22 to 24, where he will make a speech to the kingdom's Consultative Council, its version of parliament, said ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

The visit comes as China aggressively courts the world's major oil suppliers as it seeks new oil and gas deposits to fuel its power-hungry economy.

Then he will travel to Morocco, Nigeria and Kenya between April 24-28. In Nigeria, he is expected to make a speech addressing China's ties with the country as well as with all of Africa.
Hu's visit "will be very helpful in ... cooperation in various fields, including energy, culture and personal exchanges," Liu said.

Talks on energy cooperation are expected to be among the main issues, particularly in oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

However Liu said that energy won't be the only major topic the president raises in these visits.
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I promise you that the main reason for Hu's visit to the middle east is oil. With that said, it should be noted that when Bush sends his people (he actually doesn't travel to the middle east, except for Thanksgiving...) to the area they are there, essentially, for the same reason. If you don't believe me, just look into what Bush Sr. is doing with his spare time. China wants to be a player. Simple. And they will be. Just think about what would be missing if "Made in China" disappeared from your daily life...