The visit by Zoellick, who arrived in the Chinese capital from Japan on Monday, was also aimed at fostering closer bilateral ties while learning more about China's growing interests in Africa.

"We hope to improve the bilateral strategic dialogue in order to further improve mutual understanding and mutual trust," Wen told Zoellick at the start of their meeting, before reporters were ushered out of the room.

No other details about their meeting were immediately available.

However Zoellick said before his trip that he wanted to discuss the Iranian and North Korean nuclear issues with the Chinese leadership.

"I look forward to a good exchange of views in Beijing on security and proliferation issues -- particularly in Northeast Asia, and Iran," Zoellick said in a statement last week.

Zoellick also said he wanted to discuss China's recent "white paper" on Africa, as well as the nation's "efforts to promote internal openness and reform".

On Wednesday, the last day of his visit, Zoellick will travel to the southwestern province of Sichuan to visit a research and breeding centre for China's endangered giant pandas.

China has often promoted its pandas on the international stage, using the animals as gifts in diplomatic charm offensives.

From China, Zoellick is due to travel to the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, Switzerland.

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