An official ceremony marked the arrival of the Chinese President to the White House today. US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met Hu Jintao on the South Lawn of the iconic building, which was symbolically lined with both US and Chinese national flags. The Navy brass band played from a distance as Hu stepped out of his limousine.

Cannons down Constitiution Avenue were fired in a 21 gun salute as the band played the national anthem of China, and a group of students of various nationalities were able to shake the hands of both Heads of State from across a rope partition. After this, both men addressed the cameras and gathering crowds.

Obama welcomed Hu and opened the proceedings by saying "The United States welcomes China's rise as a strong, prosperous and successful member of the community of nations.” He added: "Indeed, China's success has brought with it economic benefits for our people as well as yours, and our cooperation on a range of issues has helped advance stability in the Asia Pacific and in the world."

Hu also expressed an interest on stronger relations for the future, stating "increase mutual trust, enhance friendship, deepen cooperation and push forward the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship for the 21st century."

After a number of press conferences and engagements, this evening the Chinese President will enjoy a formal dinner, with numerous high profile guests rumoured to be in attendance. It is the first time in over thirteen years that a governmental official from China has visited in a ceremonial sense – while Hu visited in 2006, then President George Bush claimed they only had time for a ‘working lunch’, a comment which drew heavy criticism.

Reported by Zeke Lyons.

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