BEIJING -- Russia's new President Dmitry Medvedev will pay a state visit to China from May 23 to 24, at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (R) and former president Vladimir Putin shake hands during an inauguration ceremony in Moscow's Kremlinthrone room May 7, 2008. [Agencies] For more photos
Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the announcement at a regular press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday, succeeding Vladimir Putin two months after he swept the country's presidential election.