Hollande to Make First Trip to China Next Week

French President Francois Hollande will make a state visit to China next week, Beijing said Monday, his first to the world's number two economy.

The trip also represents the first by a leader of a major Western power since China installed its new President Xi Jinping last month.

"Both sides will exchange views on China-France relations, China-EU relations and international and regional issues of a common interest," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

Hollande will meet Xi, Premier Li Keqiang and the head of China's parliament Zhang Dejiang for high-level talks in Beijing before he visits the commercial hub of Shanghai, Hua said.

The visit will take place on April 25 and 26.