BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- High Commissioner for Refugees of the United Nations Antonio Guterres arrived here on Sunday morning, starting a five-day visit to China from March 19 to 23.

    This is the first China visit of Guterres since he assumed the office in June, 2005. He has visited China as Prime Minister of Portugal and President of the Portuguese Socialist International in 1998 and 2004 respectively.

    The UN office of the High Commissioner for Refugees provides international protection and material assistance including food, shelter, medical aid and education to the world's 23 million refugees, at the same time seeking durable solutions to their plight. Enditem