Liang Guanglie, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), left Beijing Sunday for official visit to the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Liang, also member of the Central Military Commission, was invited by the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers, Australian Chief Commander of the Defence Forces Peter Cosgrove, and New Zealand's Chief of the Defense Forces Bruce Ferguson.

During his visit, Liang is expected to meet with government and military leaders of the three countries, and exchange views with them on international and regional security as well as other issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2004)