The foreign Minister of The People's off China, Mr. Chi Peng-Fei -- on an official visit to France -- received a surprise call on Wednesday (13 June) from United States Presidential Adviser Henry Kissinger.

The two men conferred at the Chinese Ambassador's residence in Paris for about an hour before Dr. Kissinger met North Vietnam's peace negotiator Le Duc Tho and signed a new ceasefire accord.

Chinese sources later described Dr. Kissinger's visit as a "courtesy call" but declined to give further details. The meeting had not been scheduled by either the Americans or the Chinese.

Mr. Chi is the most senior minister from The People's Republic of China to visit France since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1964.

Later on Wednesday, Mr. Chi met President Georges Pompidou for talks on international problems. He also had discussions with Foreign Minister Michel Jobert, who commented afterwards: "Relations between France and China are very friendly. This is a point worth emphasising."