French President Hollande to visit China: Beijing

BEIJING (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande will make a state visit to China next week, Beijing said on Monday, his first to the world's second largest economy.

The trip also represents the first by a leader of a major Western power since China installed President Xi Jinping last month.

"Both sides will exchange views on China-France relations, China-EU relations and international and regional issues of a common interest," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

Mr Hollande will meet Mr Xi, Premier Li Keqiang and the head of China's parliament Zhang Dejiang for high-level talks in Beijing before he visits the commercial hub of Shanghai, Ms Hua said.

The visit will take place on April 25 and 26.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.