Chinese president arrives in Washington

Chinese President Hu Jintao stands alongside US Vice President Joe Biden during the National Anthem upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, January 18, 2011. AFP PHOTO

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/160845.html


Chinese President Hu Jintao has arrived in the United States for a state visit at a time of strained relations between the two economic powers.

US Vice President Joe Biden and a military color guard welcomed Hu at Andrews Air Force base on Tuesday.

The Chinese leader is scheduled to meet with US President Barack Obama in the White House, where the first state dinner for a Chinese leader is being held in 13 years.

Hu's visit is aimed at strengthening ties between the world's two biggest economies amid tensions between the two world powers over economic, trade and security issues.

Relations between Beijing and Washington have been strained over issues from currency controls and trade disputes to human rights and US arms sales to Taiwan.

Hu has previously said that he wants to see the Chinese yuan replace the dollar as a key player in the international currency system.

This comes as Washington accuses Beijing of manipulating the value of the yuan to help boost Chinese exports.

Trade between the US and China is currently worth $400 billion, up from $100 million 30 years ago, when the United States formalized relations with China.

The Obama administration also needs Beijing's cooperation on climate change, North Korea, and Iran's nuclear program.

Dalai Lama's visit to Washington and criticism of China's human rights record, along with North Korea, have also exposed diplomatic fault lines in Sino-US relations.

However, both sides now seem to be trying to cool the drama.