China will buy 70 Boeing 737 airliners

China will buy 70 Boeing 737 airliners, a government news agency reported Sunday.

The report by the Xinhua News Agency confirmed an announcement late Saturday by U.S. officials who were traveling with President George W. Bush on a visit to Beijing.

The report didn't give any financial details. It said the planes would be bought by a Chinese government-run company that imports aircraft for Chinese airlines.

Beijing often announces large purchases of American airliners in connection with visits by U.S. leaders in an effort mollify Washington's frustration over China's trade surplus, reported AP. P.T.