Chinese Defense Minister Starts Four-Nation Tour

Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian left Beijing on March 18 for an official goodwill visit to Germany, Greece, Croatia and Norway.

Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councillor, is making the tour at the invitation of German Defense Minister Rudolf Scharping, Greek National Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Croatian Defense Minister Jozo Rados, and Norwegian Defense Minister Kristin Krohn Devold.

During his tour, Chi will stop over in Romania, where he will meet with the country's state and military leaders.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2002)