WASHINGTON - US Vice President Joe Biden will start his visits to China, Mongolia and Japan on August 16, the White House said on Thursday.

The White House said that Biden visits China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the first of the planned reciprocal visits between the vice presidents announced during Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to the United States in January.

"While in China, the vice president will meet with Vice President Xi and other Chinese leaders, including President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao, to consult on a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues," the White House said in a statement.

In addition, Biden will also visit China's southwestern city of Chengdu, the White House said.

In Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, the vice president will underscore US support for Mongolia's two decades of democratic development and the growing economic ties between the two countries.

While in Japan, Biden will express "steadfast" US support for its close ally in the wake of the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency, the White House said, adding that he will thank US civilian and military personnel for their assistance in responding to the disaster, and highlight Japan's "resilience" during the recovery and rebuilding process.

Other details will be made available at a later date, the White House said.