The Chinese President Hu Jintao was accorded a red carpet welcome by the US after he arrived on a four-day state visit, even as lawmakers introduced a legislation against yuan manipulation.
The US Vice President Joe Biden was himself present at the Andrews Air Force Base to greet the Chinese President last evening, reflecting the high priority the Obama Administration attaches to its relationship with China.
"I look forward to having in-depth discussions with President (Barack) Obama on China-US relations and major international and regional issues of shared interest," Hu said in a statement after his arrival.
The Chinese leader said the purpose of his visit is to enhance mutual trust, promote friendship, deepen cooperation and move forward the positive, cooperative and comprehensive Sino-US relationship for the 21st century.
While, the official welcome ceremony is scheduled at the White House this morning, within hours of his arrival, the Chinese President with a small group of close aides drove down to the White House for a private dinner hosted by the US President Barack Obama.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon were among the few attending the private dinner hosted by Obama to which officials said it would set the tone for Wednesday's formal meeting at the Oval Office and the one of the Cabinet-level meeting.
{{/usCountry}}US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon were among the few attending the private dinner hosted by Obama to which officials said it would set the tone for Wednesday's formal meeting at the Oval Office and the one of the Cabinet-level meeting.
{{/usCountry}}On Wednesday, Obama will host Hu to the state dinner at the White House -- the first for a Chinese leader in 13 years. This would be Obama's third state dinner. The first one was that of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 24, 2009.