French President Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived in China on a three-day visit during which he is expected to press China to back further sanctions against Iran.
Sarkozy, who is accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, arrived in the western city of Xi-an before heading to Beijing later today for talks with President Hu Jintao.
The two presidents, whose countries both hold permanent seats on the UN Security Council, are expected to discuss possible measures to discourage Iran from sensitive nuclear work.
Western powers have been pressing for new UN sanctions against Iran for its refusal to halt uranium enrichment.
But China and Russia, which also has a permanent seat, have been reluctant to support new sanctions.
Sarkozy will also seek to warm up relations with China strained by his meeting with the Dalai Lama in Paris in 2008.
compiled from agency reports
Sarkozy, who is accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, arrived in the western city of Xi-an before heading to Beijing later today for talks with President Hu Jintao.
The two presidents, whose countries both hold permanent seats on the UN Security Council, are expected to discuss possible measures to discourage Iran from sensitive nuclear work.
Western powers have been pressing for new UN sanctions against Iran for its refusal to halt uranium enrichment.
But China and Russia, which also has a permanent seat, have been reluctant to support new sanctions.
Sarkozy will also seek to warm up relations with China strained by his meeting with the Dalai Lama in Paris in 2008.
compiled from agency reports