Chinese defense minister leaves Beijing to visit African, European countries

Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan left Beijing Wednesday morning on a visit to Egypt, Tanzania, the Netherlands and Denmark, which was expected to further military cooperation between China and those countries.

Invited by his counterparts in the four countries, Cao, also vice chairman of China's top military body, the Central Military Commission, and a State Councilor, is scheduled to meet government and military leaders of those countries during his visit.

Senior Chinese navy and air force commanders accompany Cao in his visit.