China's vice Prime Minister Meng Jianzhu arrived in Islamabad for a two-day visit against the backdrop of growing tensions between Pakistan and the US.

Meng, China's top security official, met Rehman Malik, the Minister for Interior on Monday.

The two leaders discussed the situation in the region and the war on terrorism, sources said. There was no official word on the meeting.

The Chinese minister attended a banquet hosted in his honour by President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday.

Both the leaders discussed matters pertaining to mutual interests and the emerging geo-strategic situation of the region.

While Meng Jianzhu is due to meet Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today.

He will hold talks with the political and military leadership on bilateral relations, the regional situation and matters of mutual interest, officials said.

Vice Premier of the Peoples Republic of China Meng Jianzhu was also called on Cheif of Army staff Ashfaq Pervain Kayani the previous day.