US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived in Beijing Tuesday afternoon, starting his three-day China visit at the invitation of Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan.

This is Rumsfeld's first visit to China as Defense Secretary since his accession to the post in January 2001, and the second arrival of US Defense Secretary since 2000.

During his stay, Rumsfeld is expected to meet with President Hu Jintao and hold talks with Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan.

Both sides will discuss issues concerning China-US relations, including the Taiwan question and Sino-US military cooperation and other bilateral and multilateral issues of common concern.

Analysts believed Rumsfeld's visit will be conducive to the further improvement of the ties between the two countries and two armies.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2005)