Singer will.i.am to work with US, perform in China

US singer will.i.am, the frontman of the Black Eyed Peas, will partner with the State Department to promote cultural and educational exchanges with China by directing a concert in Beijing this year.

The Grammy winner met with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday to discuss President Barack Obama's "100,000 Strong Initiative," which aims to increase the number of US students in China, the State Department said.

The concert, which will feature performances by will.i.am and other US and Chinese pop stars, will promote and benefit the plan, said the statement, which did not give details about the other participants.

"In order to become responsible global citizens, young people need to experience the world around them," will.i.am said in the statement.

"We must make sure that American students have the cultural awareness and skills necessary to succeed in a global economy."