Obama national security adviser headed for China to pave way for Xi's visit to DC

National Security Adviser Susan Rice is headed for China to help lay the groundwork for President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington next month.

The White House said Tuesday that Rice will meet with senior Chinese officials including State Councilor Yang Jeichi on a range of issues that affect the two nations, regional dynamics and global matters.

NSC spokesman Ned Price says Rice plans to "underscore the United States' commitment to building a more productive relationship" between the two countries as well as discuss areas of difference.

Rice will be in China on Friday and Saturday, visiting as the country is grappling with a tumbling stock market despite massive government efforts to stop the slide.

Xi will be meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House in late September.