David Cameron to hold talks with Xi Jinping at Chequers

David Cameron will entertain Xi Jinping at his Buckinghamshire country retreat as the focus shifts to China's role on the world stage on day three of the Chinese president's state visit.

International affairs are expected to dominate talks at Chequers, including China's response to the rise of Islamist extremism.

Mr Xi and wife Peng Liyuan will bid a formal farewell to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, where they have been staying since arriving on Monday evening, before the president joins the Duke of York for a series of visits.

The couple will then head to Chequers where they will dine with Mr Cameron and wife Samantha.

Extremism is expected to be high on the agenda for the bilateral between the president and Prime Minister at the country residence.

China, along with Russia, blocked a series of Western resolutions at the United Nations against Bashar Assad's brutal regime in Syria. The international community is keenly watching how China responds to the fight against Islamic State following Russian military intervention in the conflict-riven country.

Downing Street said discussions this evening will focus on global affairs.

"This is looking at China's role in international affairs and the influence it can bring to the table - how do we work to tackle extremism, particularly Islamist extremism, make advances on global efforts for a political solution in Syria," the Prime Minister's official spokeswoman said.

"There may be a number of issues they decide they want to take forward and continue in discussion, but I would expect it to focus more on international and foreign affairs."

The Prime Minister will also use the talks to raise concerns over Hong Kong directly with the president.

"The PM specifically said to the president he wanted to have the opportunity to discuss this further at Chequers," the Prime Minister's spokeswoman said.

Mr Xi has been accused by democracy campaigners of increasing interference in the running of the former colony.

The Queen used the state banquet in Mr Xi's honour at Buckingham Palace to underline former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's vision for "one country two systems" - an aim that critics fear is being eroded.