Chinese president meets US State secretary

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US Secretary of State John Kerry at the Great Hall of the People on Friday morning.

Kerry arrived in Beijing earlier in the morning, starting his two-day visit to China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Monday said Kerry would pay a visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The two sides will discuss bilateral ties and other issues of common concern.

Kerry will "relay the message that the United States is committed to pursuing a positive, cooperative, comprehensive relationship and welcomes the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China that plays a positive role in world affairs," US State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said in a statement on Sunday.

Kerry has been on his fifth trip to Asia, from February 13 to 18, since he took office. His itinerary also includes the Republic of Korea, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.