At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias arrived in Beijing Thursday for a five-day state visit to China.

This is the third state visit to China by Chavez. During his visit, Chinese leaders including Hu Jintao will meet with him to exchange views on bilateral relations and international issues of common concern.

Besides Beijing, Chavez will also visit Shandong Province in east China.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2004)