China says it has imposed new controls on the export of military and chemical equipment and technologies.

Mr Jiang is heading to Texas on Friday

The announcement of the new regulations comes ahead of a visit this week by President Jiang Zemin to his US counterpart's Texan ranch.

George W Bush's government has repeatedly pressed Beijing to curb weapons exports.

China's export of military technology to countries such as Pakistan and Iran has been a major stumbling block in relations between Beijing and Washington.

The announcement was seen as being designed to smooth Mr Jiang's visit to the US. Last week, China released a prominent Tibetan nun, presumably to head off criticism of its human rights record.

Tightening control

Military equipment and technologies will be monitored by the authorities and major export projects will require authorisation by the Chinese cabinet and the Central Military Commission, the state People's Daily website reported.

The new rules will take effect on 15 November, the web site said.

Beijing also issued measures to tighten controls on dual-use chemicals, chemical equipment and technologies.

The moves follows China's announcement in August of limits on exports of missile technology.

President Jiang's one-hour meeting with Mr Bush on Friday will almost certainly be his last as the Chinese head of state.

Next month, Beijing is set to overhaul the leadership, with Vice President Hu Jintao widely expected to succeed Mr Jiang as president.

Analysts say that Mr Jiang will be anxious to leave a legacy of stable US-Chinese ties as a new generation of leaders prepares to take over in Beijing.