BEIJING: President Hu Jintao will visit the United States January 18-21, China confirmed on Friday, on a trip that will likely touch on Korean tensions, and contentious trade and currency issues.

Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei confirmed the dates in a statement on the ministry's website that gave no further details as to Hu's itinerary or meetings.

He is due in Washington on January 19, where he will meet with US President Barack Obama. Obama is expected to raise the sensitive issues of trade and currency reform with him.

Korean tensions are also likely to be high on the agenda after the North shelled a South Korean island on November 23, killing four people, including two civilians, sparking regional security fears and worldwide concern.