BEIJING -?Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived in Beijing Tuesday evening, kicking off a five-day state visit to China.

Aquino will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, and meet with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing. He will also attend a forum on bilateral economic and trade cooperation with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan.

Aquino will also visit Shanghai and east China's Fujian Province.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said last week that a series of agreements covering trade, culture and media cooperation will be signed between China and the Philippines during Aquino's visit.

Aquino is visiting China as the guest of President Hu.