BEIJING - Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrived in Beijing early Tuesday morning, kicking off a state visit to China as a guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

During his stay in China, leaders of the two countries will discuss how to consolidate China-Sudan relations and expand cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said recently at a regular news briefing.

The two sides will also exchange views on Sudan's ongoing north-south peace process and the Darfur issue, Hong said.