BEIJING - China is expected to strengthen its strategic partnership and enhance cooperation with Southeast Asia's largest trade bloc during a weeklong visit starting Wednesday by a key official of the trade body, experts and officials told China Daily on Tuesday.

Pitsuwan Surin, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is expected to officially kick-start his trip from Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi is expected to hold talks with Surin on issues of mutual concern, chiefly economic cooperation.