E. Timor general to visit China

E. Timor general to visit China

EAST TIMOR: The military chief of newly independent East Timor, Brig. Gen. Taur Matan Ruak, will visit China on Sunday, an official said on Friday.

Ruak will be accompanied by the commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force, Thailand's Winai Patiakul, during the nine-day visit, said an official at the prime minister's office who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The military chief is expected to discuss defense relations with Chinese officials following an invitation from the government in Beijing.

Ruak will travel on to Thailand on July 9 for a four-day visit. On July 13 he will visit Bali, where he will hold talks with Indonesian regional military commander Maj. Gen. Willem da Costa. --AFP