Washington, Aug 5 (IANS): US Vice President Joe Biden will embark on a visit to China, Mongolia and Japan starting Aug 16, the White House said.

Biden would visit China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The visit was announced during Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to the US in January, Xinhua reported.

"While in China, the vice president will meet with Vice President Xi and other Chinese leaders, including President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao, to consult on a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues," the White House said in a statement.

In Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, the vice president will underscore US support for Mongolia's two decades of democratic development and the growing economic ties between the two countries.

In Japan, Biden will express "steadfast" US support for its close ally in the wake of the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency, the White House said.

Biden will thank US civilian and military personnel for their assistance in responding to the disaster, and highlight Japan's "resilience" during the recovery and rebuilding process.