Livingstone to visit China

Ken Livingstone is set to promote the capital during a week-long visit to China.

The mayor begins a six day visit on Sunday, during which he will promote London as a destination for business, tourists and students.

He will be accompanied by Chelsea Football Club chief executive Peter Kenyon and Olympic bid chief Lord Coe.

"China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, whilst London is a world-class centre of financial and business services," said Livingstone.

"A stronger relationship between China and London will therefore be mutually beneficial; we both have much to gain from building closer links with each other.

"We are also keen to learn from each other as London and Beijing plan their Olympic games in 2012 and 2008 respectively."

Lord Coe said that hosting consecutive Olympics would help the two countries "build upon the increasingly close and warm relationship" between them.

"As the Games come to an end in 2008, Beijing will hand the Olympic flag to London and we will begin our Olympic journey," he added.

"Beijing is four years ahead in hosting the Games and we have much in common in our aspirations to inspire change as well as creating a sporting legacy for our respective cities.

"I very much look forward to learning and sharing experiences."