BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- President Francois Bozize Yangouvonda of the Central African Republic will pay a state visi to China on Sept. 9-15 at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

    Born in Mouila, Garbon, in 1946, Bozize studied at several military colleges in France.

    Between 1973 and 1982, he served in succession as head of general office of the Defense Ministry of the Central African Republic, the country's air force commander, deputy chief of the general staff, defense minister, and information and culture minister. In 1996, he was appointed chief of general staff of the country's armed forces.

    He became president of the Central African Republic in March 2003, and won the presidential election in May 2005.

    Bozize paid a working visit to China in August 2004.