BEIJING -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will pay a visit to China on April 13 and 14 as the guest of Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the announcement at a Monday press briefing.

During Kerry's visit, the two sides will exchange views on China-U.S. relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern, said Hong.

China and the U.S. are at a crucial juncture in terms of maintaining their relations, Hong said.

He said China is ready to work with the U.S. to fulfill the consensus reached by both leaders, increase strategic mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and manage disparities.

He called on both sides to boost bilateral ties and explore a new type of relationship so as to benefit both countries.