Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Tuesday confirmed that U.S. president's special envoy to Sudan Andrew Natsios is paying a visit to China from Jan. 9 to 12.

Natsios will exchange views with the Chinese side on the Darfur issue, said Liu at a regular press conference.

Like the United States, China has also been closely following the Darfur issue, the spokesman said, adding that he hopes all relevant sides would take the chance to try properly handling the issue through consultations and dialogues.

China will continue to play constructive role in this regard, Liu said.

Source: Xinhua