Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim flew on Thursday to China to attend the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Games, which opens on Friday.

Lim is not with the entourage of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but went to China on invitation of Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong.

It was not known if Lim would meet with Arroyo in Beijing, Lim's chief of staff Ric De Guzman said on Thursday.

In a letter to Guo, Lim said: "It will be another great opportunity for us to review acquaintances with the leaders of your flourishing city and to promote the widening and mutual friendship among our people. We look forward to a pleasant journey to the world of sports inside Beijing, certainly a rare one we would mark significantly for posterity."

De Guzman said Lim left for China on an official trip via a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight early morning of Thursday morning. He had no other details of Lim's flight or itinerary.

He said Lim will be back in Manila on August 12.

De Guzman said no business negotiations would be conducted between the two cities, as the purpose of Llim's trip would only be to attend the Olympics.

The Beijing government spent for Lim's plane fare and hotel accommodations. Lim was accompanied by one of the consultants of the Manila City Hall, Niňo de la Cruz, but the expense of his companionwas not shouldered by Beijing.

Beijing is a sister city of Manila.

The Manila tourism office showed a reply letter to reporters on Thursday about Lim's acceptance to the Beijing's invitation to attend the ceremonial opening of the Beijing Olympics.

Lim had written to Guo on May 19, 2008 accepting the Beijing government's invitation.

The "Friendship Affiliate Agreement," citing the sisterhood between the two cities, was signed on June 7, 2002, during the administration of then Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, and Beijing government authorities.