US defence secretary visiting China

The United States defence secretary, William Cohen, is in Beijing at the start of a three-day visit aimed at improving military co-operation with China.

Mr Cohen told reporters that during his talks with the Chinese President, Jiang Zemin, and other senior officials, he would seek further assurances that China will stop exporting nuclear technology to Iran.

American officials said the Clinton administration was keen that Beijing should take further steps to prevent weapons proliferation in the region.

Correspondents say Mr Cohen's visit -- the first by an American defence secretary in four years -- will also prepare the groundwork for an expected summit between the two countries later this year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service