President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak will pay a state visit to China from Jan. 9 to 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei announced on Wednesday.

Lee is making the visit at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Hong told a regular press briefing.

During Lee's stay, President Hu, China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao will hold talks or meet with him, and exchange views on China-ROK relations as well as global and regional issues of common concern, respectively, according to the spokesman.

"China attaches great importance to President Lee Myung-bak's upcoming visit, and hopes his visit will further strengthen political trust, exchanges and cooperation between both countries, as well as further bilateral strategic cooperative partnership," Hong said.

Hailing the sound momentum of China-ROK relations, Hong said maintaining the sustained, stable and healthy growth of bilateral ties meets the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and also benefits the peace, stability and development of the region.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic ties as well as a year of bilateral friendly exchanges. "The relations between China and the ROK face important opportunities for development," the spokesman added.

This will be Lee's second state visit to China since he took office in February 2008.

Two-way trade between China and the ROK hit 207 billion U.S. dollars in 2010. China is the largest trading partner of the ROK, and the ROK is China's third largest trading partner.

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