BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived here Tuesday afternoon, kicking off his three-dayChina visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.

    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 Chinese President Hu Jintao and hold talks with Chinese 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. Enditem