(File photo)

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhuanet) -- US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice arrived in the Chinese capital from Tokyo Thursday noon, kicking off her 24-hour visit to China as guest of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

    During her stay here, Chinese leaders will discuss with her bilateral relations, the Taiwan issue and international issues of common concern.

    It is reported that China is the second leg of Rice's three-nation Asian tour, including Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK)as well. On Wednesday, she held talks with Japanese Prime MinisterKoizumi Junichiro and Foreign Minister Kawaguchi Yoriko. They discussed regional security issues.

    Rice is expected to leave Beijing for Seoul Friday noon and then confer ROK leaders on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

    Rice accompanied US President George W. Bush to pay a working visit to China in February, 2002. Enditem