The Australian national flag flies next to the Chinese national flag in front of the giant portrait of former Chairman Mao Zedong on Tiananmen Square in Beijing, April 25, 2011. [Agencies]

BEIJING - Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrived in Beijing on Monday, kicking off a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

During her first visit to China as prime minister, Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled to meet with Gillard, and Wen Jiabao will hold talks with her.

She will also attend the China-Australia Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum together with Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said earlier that China believes the two countries will clinch closer cooperation and dialogue through the visit.