PM Rudd to make first visits to US and China

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said yesterday he will begin his first major overseas trip as Australia's leader this month, including visits to the United States and China - underscoring their importance.

US President George W. Bush telephoned on Monday to invite Rudd to visit Washington on March 28 for a White House meeting and lunch, Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for White House National Security Council, said in a statement.