Johannesburg  - The billion-dollar China-Africa Development Fund opened its first Africa office in Johannesburg on Monday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the creation of the 5-billion-dollar fund in 2006 to support Chinese investment in Africa, which supplies China with oil and other commodities.

South Africa's leading candidate for president in April elections, Jacob Zuma, attended the opening, together with Chen Yuan, the chairman of the Chinese Development Bank, and other Chinese officials.

Nairobi - Chinese President Hu Jintao was due in Mauritius Monday for the last stop on a four-country African tour during which he has already signed aid and loan deals worth over 100 million dollars.

Hu witnessed the signing of a 22-million-dollar aid deal for Tanzania in the capital Dar es Salaam on Sunday and met Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.

Riyadh  - Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for an official three-day visit aimed at boosting ties between the two countries.

Saudi King Abdullah and Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal were among those who welcomed Hu at the airport, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition to holding talks with the Saudi monarch, Hu is expected to witness the signing of several agreements on trade and energy cooperation, including oil agreements.

Beijing, Dec. 31 : Chinese President Hu Jintao has offered six proposals to promote the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relationship.

In a speech to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the mainland''s "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan" here on Wednesday, Hu said the mainland is willing to discuss with Taiwan proper and reasonable arrangement for Taiwan''s participation in international organizations, as long as this does not create a scenario of "two Chinas" or "China and Taiwan."

Beijing - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday hailed 30 years of economic reform and said the ruling Communist Party would continue to develop "Chinese Marxism."

"We will definitely hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and continue to promote the sinification of Marxism," Hu said in a speech to mark the 30th anniversary of the start of economic reform.

Hu said the party would push forward its policies for reforming and opening the economy, while maintaining stability and promoting "contemporary Chinese Marxism."

Athens - Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled to arrive in Athens on Monday for an official three-day visit.

The Chinese president's trip to Greece follows a regional tour of South America, Central America and Cuba where he sealed trade and investment deals with Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru.

China told the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Lima, Peru over the past weekend that his government wants to help shore up worldwide growth and reform global financial rules.