Baidu Chief Hobnobs with Israeli Prime Minister

(Beijing) — Internet giant Baidu Inc. is taking a page on the worldwide stage from rival Alibaba, scoring a meeting with a major world leader in the race to boost its global image.

Baidu founder Robin Li met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing on Tuesday, when the two participated in an event centered on the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. One Belt, One Road — a favorite project of President Xi Jinping — aims to develop infrastructure in countries along the historic Silk Road, which passes through Central Asia and the Middle East, including Israel

Netanyahu used the event to underscore his country’s technological prowess, as Israel has emerged as major incubator for high-tech companies, especially in the security space. He said Israel could work with China in several areas where Israel has expertise, including wastewater treatment, agricultural technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and medical technology.

Li said Baidu has much to learn from Israel, and that many of his company’s top executives have traveled to the country. “When they come back, they are very excited because they’ve heard so many innovative ideas,” Li said, while also encouraging Israeli companies to come to China.

The event makes Li the latest Chinese internet leader to meet with a world head of state, reflecting the aspirations that such companies have to expand beyond their home market. Baidu previously tested local-language editions of its search engine in several international markets, including Brazil, Egypt and Thailand, but ultimately ended the initiatives. It has made a few small overseas purchases, and distributes some of its software internationally.

Jack Ma, founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., has been far more high-profile in meeting with world leaders, as he also looks to extend his company’s influence beyond China. Ma most recently made headlines in January when he became the first major Chinese business leader to publicly meet with Donald Trump after Trump won the U.S. presidential election. Ma also met with Barack Obama when he was U.S. president, and David Cameron when he was Britain’s prime minister.

Contact reporter Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com)