German president to visit China next week

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will start a six-day state visit to China on Wednesday at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang has announced.

During his first state visit to China as German president, Steinmeier will exchange views with President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang respectively on bilateral ties, China-EU relations and major international issues of common concern.

Steinmeier will also visit the provinces of Guangdong and Sichuan after his stay in Beijing.