China's top lawmaker embarks on European tour

BEIJING -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday left Beijing to visit Russia, Austria and Italy.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, will be a guest of top legislators of the three countries, according to a statement issued by the NPC.

During his stay in Moscow, Wu will attend meetings between the NPC and the Russian Federation Council and the Russian State Duma.

Wu's entourage includes his wife Zhang Ruizhen and officials from national and local legislatures, ministries of foreign affairs and commerce.