Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday began a three-day visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The two sides will discuss arrangements for the six-party talks on resolving the DPRK nuclear issue and exchange views on bilateral ties, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said.

Wang is making the visit at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, Kong said.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will visit China from Aug. 14 to 26, at the invitation of the Chinese government, the spokesman announced.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard will pay a working visit to China from Aug. 17 to 19, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the spokesman announced.
 
(Source: Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2003)