Sudan leader Omar Al-bashir arrives in Beijing: AFP

Omar al-Bashir, wanted for war crimes, arrived in Beijing early Tuesday, according to an AFP photographer, a day after the Sudanese leader was originally due in China to meet President Hu Jintao.

Bashir`s visit has outraged rights groups who criticise Beijing for hosting a man wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for atrocities committed during Sudan`s civil war.

He had been scheduled to arrive early Monday but Chinese foreign ministry staff said his plane was "delayed", prompting the cancellation of planned meetings, including with Hu.

Chinese state media confirmed the arrival for a state visit as a guest of President Hu.

A Xinhua report quoted comments made earlier by Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei, saying leaders of the two nations will discuss "how to consolidate China-Sudan relations and expand cooperation."

The two sides will also exchange views on Sudan`s ongoing north-south peace process and the Darfur issue, Hong said.

China is a key supporter of the regime in Khartoum despite ICC arrest warrants for Bashir for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Sudan`s western Darfur region, where about 300,000 people have died since 2003. (*)

Source: ANTARA