Blair is expected to visit Shanghai and Hong Kong as well as Beijing.

"The two sides will exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of common concern," Kong told a regular press briefing held in Beijing.

He said the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear issue, one of the most important regional and international matters of discussion, will be one of the topics for Chinese leaders and Blair.

Vice-Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo returned to Beijing yesterday after his visit to the DPRK from July 12 to 15.

Dai, also a special envoy of the Chinese Government, met DPRK leader Kim Jong-il, DPRK Supreme People's Assembly President Kim Yong-nam and Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun in Pyongyang. They exchanged views on bilateral relations and international issues of common concern, Kong said.

Dai's visit is important and beneficial in terms of bilateral relations and also in terms of the DPRK nuclear issue, Kong added.

Kong said Dai's visit was part of China's efforts to reach a peaceful resolution of this issue. China is fully committed to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. China attaches great importance to the peninsula's denuclearization and stands firm in its stance on the peaceful resolution of the DPRK nuclear issue.

China believes that the DPRK's security concerns should also be addressed and that the Beijing talks should be continued, Kong said.

On Iraq, Kong said China welcomes the establishment of the Iraqi Governing Council. "We hope the situation in Iraq can resume stability as soon as possible, and its people can enjoy peaceful lives," he said.

Asked to comment on the standoff in Iraq's embassy in Beijing, Kong said China has urged them to take effective measures to "properly handle the internal affairs of the embassy," Kong said. "We will handle this issue in accordance with international laws and international practices," he added.

At yesterday's press conference, the spokesman also announced at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Wirayuda of Indonesia, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will attend the Fifth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be held on the Bali Island of Indonesia from July 23 to 24.

At the meeting, participants will exchange views on major international and regional issues of the day, and ASEM-related issues as well, Kong said.

After that, Li will visit Singapore at the invitation of Foreign Minister Shunmugam Jayakumar of the Republic of Singapore, he added.

(Sources including China Daily and Xinhua News Agency, July 16, 2003)