The Chinese Foreign Ministry notes that Rumsfeld’s first visit to Beijing will take place from Tuesday to Thursday. Among the topics of discussion, says spokesman Kong Quan, will be “bilateral and military relations between the two countries.” He also says, “The visit is imperative and helpful to promote mutual understanding.”
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.