Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, started an official visit to China on Sunday as guest of the Communist Party of China (CPC).  

Upon his arrival in Beijing Sunday afternoon, Raul Castro met with Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. Some senior CPC and state leaders are scheduled to meet with him since Monday.

It is Raul Castro's second visit to China since 1997. He also serves as first vice president of the Council of State and first vice president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2005)