ISLAMABAD: China's top security official is visiting Pakistan for talks focusing on increased cooperation against Chinese militants who have found sanctuary in the northwest of the country.

Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu's visit Monday also comes at a time of intense strain between Islamabad and Washington.

Pakistani officials have been talking up their country's relationship with China, with some commentators saying it could one day replace the US as Islamabad's main foreign benefactor.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Sunday that Pakistan had killed several Chinese militants in the northwest and extradited others.

He also said Jianzhu's visit shows China ''always stands with us in difficult times''.