China's defense minister to visit Russia

China's State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Shangfu will pay an official visit to Russia from April 16 to 19 at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, a military spokesman announced on Friday afternoon.

The visit would be the first overseas visit by Li after he became Minister of National Defense at the National People's Congress in March.

Li will hold talks with Russian military officials and visit Russian military academies during the visit, Tan Kefei, spokesman for the ministry, said in a brief statement.

"In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the relations between the Chinese and Russian militaries have been continually developing at a high level," he noted. "New progress has been made in strategic communication, joint exercises and training, and practical cooperation, repeatedly enriching the strategic connotation of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era."