China looks to Russia, Africa after protracted leadership transition
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China's new president will pay a state visit to Russia and three African countries, foreign minister Yang Jiechi (above), said on Saturday, March 9, 2013, with Beijing looking to step up diplomacy after a protracted leadership transition. -- PHOTO: AFP
BEIJING (AFP) - China's new president will pay a state visit to Russia and three African countries, the foreign minister said on Saturday, with Beijing looking to step up diplomacy after a protracted leadership transition.
Foreign minister Yang Jiechi said the visit would take place "soon" and that Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo would comprise the African destinations.
Communist leader Xi Jinping is due to be named state president during China's annual National People's Congress (NPC) parliament session under way in Beijing, which will conclude the country's once-a-decade leadership transition.
Mr Xi took over the ruling party reins in November.
