U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will visit China from Feb. 26 to 27 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao announced in Beijing Thursday at a routine press conference.

According to Liu, China and the United States would exchange views during Rice's visit "on bilateral relations and the significant regional and international issues of common concern".

He said he hoped both sides could exchange views on issues of common concern, further implement a series of important consensuses reached by their leaders and enhance exchanges and cooperation.

"The ultimate aim is to push for the healthy, steady and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations," he added.