Geithner looks to sell safety of US bonds

Visiting US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is expected to reassure China of the safety of its investments in the US and resist the temptation of trade protectionism - crucial to woo further Chinese lending to the world's largest borrower.

Geithner, who arrived in Beijing yesterday on his first trip as Treasury chief, is expected to meet with President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice-Premier Wang Qishan, as well as deliver a speech at Peking University.

Observers say Geithner's top priority would be to persuade Chinese policymakers to continue the purchase of US Treasuries, vital for Barack Obama's administration to finance its stimulus plan and pull the US economy out of recession.