President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Myung-bak arrived in Beijing Monday and started his three-day state visit to China at the invitation of President Hu Jintao.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (L) shakes hands with officials after arriving at Beijing airport January 9, 2012. [Agencies]

Lee is scheduled to hold talks with Hu and meet with top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

Leaders from both countries are expected to exchange views on the bilateral relations as well as global and regional issues of common concern.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei earlier said China attaches great importance to Lee's visit and hopes his visit will further strengthen political trust, exchanges and cooperation between both countries, as well as further bilateral strategic cooperative partnership.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic ties as well as a year of bilateral friendly exchanges.

This is Lee's second state visit to China since he took office in February 2008.