BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will pay an official visit to China from Dec. 2 to 6 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced here on Thursday.

    Harper said in a press release announcing his China visit on Oct. 28 that Canada is "committed to a strong relationship with China that reflects our mutual respect and the need for practical cooperation."

    "Our two countries enjoy a growing partnership, sharing significant interests in trade and investment, the environment and regional security," he said.

    This will be Harper's first visit to China after he came to power in 2006.