ADDIS ABABA, May 21 (Reuters) - China will spend $150 million to expand the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, the pan-African body said on Monday.

The new premises will stand on the site of an infamous prison where former dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam summarily executed by firing squad 60 top officials of the late Emperor Haile Selassie.

The prison -- "Almebekange", or End of the World prison in the local Amharic language -- has since been moved to Kalite, 25 km (15 miles) out of the capital.

Site clearing for the annex, to be built opposite AU headquarters, started on Monday.

Addis Ababa city administration gave the land in 2004, but the AU did not have the money to develop it.

The new construction will give the AU more office and meeting space, which are in great need, the AU said.

China has long provided aid to Africa for projects such as roads, hospitals and ports, often with minimum conditions unlike those set by Western donors.

The Chinese government will also build residences for senior AU officials.

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