China on Tuesday announced that Lee Jae-myung, president of the Republic of Korea, will pay a state visit to China early next year, saying the trip is expected to play a positive role in advancing bilateral ties.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that Lee will pay a state visit to China from Jan 4 to Jan 7.

The visit will be Lee's first trip to China since taking office.

"China and the ROK are important neighbors and close partners of cooperation," Lin said. "It is hoped that, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the visit will play a positive role in advancing the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership."