Chinese President Arrives in Washington for Key State Visit

Hu Jintao and Barack Obama are hoping to smooth relations after a year of disagreement between their two countries.

China and the U.S. have not had a great year, Sino-American relationship-wise, with Washington and Beijing clashing over currency devaluation, North Korea, and the awarding of the Nobel Prize to Liu Xiaobo. But Obama plans an extravagant reception for Hu, including a 21-gun salute and two official dinners, providing a stark contrast to the working lunch George W. Bush offered Hu four years ago and signaling that the president is eager to recognize China as something approaching an equal. Hu arrived in Washington Tuesday and will hold a short joint press conference with Obama today, before moving on to Chicago on Thursday to visit an auto parts factory and a Chinese language school.