New Delhi, Jul 3 (IANS): Defence Minister A.K. Antony is leaving Thursday on a four-day official visit to China to discuss the Sino-Indian border, interactions between the two armed forces, as well as regional and global security.

An official release said Antony will be accompanied by Defence Secretary R.K. Mathur, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command Lt General Dalbir Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Satish Soni and others from the defence ministry and armed forces.

Pranab Mukherjee was the last Indian defence minister to visit China in 2006.

Antony will have delegation level talks with his counterpart, State Councillor and the Minister of National Defence Chang Wanquan.

"Both ministers are expected to discuss a number of issues including those related to maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border, exchanges and interactions between the armed forces of both sides and matters relating to regional and global security," the release said.