The Prime Minister's Office of Canada (PMO) announced Monday that Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean will visit China from June 30 to July 5, at the request of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and at the invitation of the Chinese government.

PMO said in a news release that this visit, which will be the first by a Governor General in more than 15 years, will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, and will highlight the strong bonds between the two peoples and the importance of the two countries' relationship.

During her visit, the governor general will celebrate Canada Day at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, where she will address Canadians and other visitors, raise Canada's flag and tour Canada's pavilion.

The Governor General will also travel to Guangdong province, a region ever leading China's economic boom and the main source of Chinese immigrants to Canada, and will end the visit with a tour in Sichuan province, the site of the devastating 2008 earthquake.

"Governor General Jean's stay in China will be a unique opportunity to highlight the dynamic people-to-people connections between China and Canada." PMO said.