Chinese leader starts a three-nation tour

The Chinese Vice President, Hu Jintao, has left Beijing for a three-nation tour which will include his first official visit to the United States.

Mr Hu will start by visiting Malaysia and Singapore, where he is expected to discuss ways of strengthening economic ties.

During his week-long US tour, he is due to meet President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

Mr Hu is expected to succeed Jiang Zemin as leader of the Chinese Communist Party later this year.

Correspondents say that although no significant results are expected from the visit, Mr Hu will be keen to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service