The United States Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will discuss economic ties and exchange views with Chinese officials on the global economic situation during his trip to China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said on Monday.

Liu said at a regular press briefing that Geithner will visit China from Jan. 10 to 11 as the U.S. President's special representative. Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice President Xi Jinping, Vice Premier Li Keqiang and Vice Premier Wang Qishan will meet with him during the visit.

Liu said China and the U.S. have agreed to build a partnership of cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

"The global economic and financial situation is facing severe challenges. Further strengthening China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation will be helpful in meeting these challenges," Liu said.

"China has proposed further promoting the two countries' economic and trade cooperation and hopes the U.S. will work with China toward this end," Liu said.