The United States National Security adviser, Sandy Berger, is to have talks in Beijing later today Tuesdaywith senior Chinese officials in preparation for President Clinton's trip to China later this month.

Officials in Washington said Mr Berger would discuss the agenda for Mr Clinton's visit -- the first by a United States president since l989.

Correspondents say the recent nuclear weapons tests by India and Pakistan are expected to figure prominently on the agenda.

China has expressed its concern about the spectre of a nuclear arms race in South Asia.