Bolivia's incoming president is in Beijing, inviting Chinese leaders to help him develop his nation's vast gas reserves.
Evo Morales arrived in Beijing Sunday for two days of talks.
Mr. Morales' economic advisor, Carlos Villegas, says the president-elect is interested in Chinese help in turning Bolivia's energy reserves into more profitable products such as cleaner-burning diesel.
Mr. Morales has vowed to increase state control of Bolivia's abundant natural gas reserves, using to profits to help the poor.
China is developing ties with nations rich in natural resources to help fuel its booming economy.
Bolivia's president-elect is on a world tour before he takes office January 22. He has visited France, Venezuela, Cuba and Spain. He next heads to South Africa and Brazil.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.