Beijing Bound

On Oct. 21, National Security Adviser Thomas Donilon will travel to Beijing, China for meetings with Chinese leaders and policymakers, including Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo, the White House announced today, noting Donilon will discuss "a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern."

Donilon will then head to India for meetings with Indian leaders including National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon. Donilon and Indian leaders will "review recent developments in the U.S.-India strategic partnership, and discuss ways to advance key elements of the relationship, including both countries' participation in the upcoming East Asia Summit," the White House said in a statement.

Donilon's visit "underscores this administration's commitment to growing U.S. leadership in Asia, and our work with emerging powers, such as China and India, as a core component of this commitment," according to the statement. Later this month, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is slated to make his first visit to Asia since taking charge of the Pentagon in July.