BEIJING - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev started a two-day visit to China on Tuesday as a guest of Premier Li Keqiang.

The two will co-chair the 18th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian heads of government.

The following is a brief profile of the Russian prime minister:

Medvedev was born on September 14, 1965, in Russia's second largest city, Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg. He completed his post-graduate studies in law at Leningrad State University in 1990.

From 2000 to 2005, he served as deputy head, first deputy head and head of the presidential administration. In November 2005, he was appointed first deputy prime minister.

In March 2008, Medvedev won the country's fifth presidential election in a landslide. Four years later, he assumed the post of prime minister.

During his presidential term, Medvedev traveled to China three times, including on his first overseas tour as president, in May 2008.

He is married and has a son.