Vice-president's visit to promote regional ties

Beijing - Vice-president Xi Jinping on Wednesday agreed to offer more aid to Laos for infrastructure construction and resource development, seeking to boost China's fast-growing ties with neighboring nations.

Xi is on a four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Bangladesh and Laos. He will continue to New Zealand and Australia.

Analysts say Xi's trip will tighten China's relations with surrounding countries and press home the message that China's development is not a threat but an opportunity for the region to develop.