Tour adds 'new dimension' to ties

Experts say Obama will focus on issues ranging from health, education, children

US first lady Michelle Obama will arrive in Beijing on Thursday afternoon to kick off a weeklong, three-city tour of China that analysts said will further advance relations between Beijing and Washington.

Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan will join Obama on a visit to the Forbidden City on Friday and welcome Obama, her daughters Malia and Sasha as well as her mother Marian Robinson for a private dinner event, according to the White House.