国内英语新闻:Chinese president starts state visit to U.S.

According to Chinese officials, during his visit, President Hu will meet with people from various walks of life in the United States, and elaborate on the domestic and foreign policies of the Chinese government and on how to advance China-U.S. relations in the new era.

The two sides are expected to sign a series of important cooperation documents and announce a host of new cooperation projects in economy and trade, energy, environmental protection, infrastructure development, science and technology and people-to-people exchanges.

During a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Jan. 4, Obama reaffirmed his commitment to "building a bilateral relationship that is comprehensive in scope, positive in achievement, and cooperative in nature."

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C, front) arrives at Washington, the United States, on Jan. 18, 2011. Hu Jintao landed here Tuesday for a four-day state visit.

"The President said he looked forward to the visit of President Hu and to the U.S. and China working together effectively to address global challenges," said a White House statement.

Since Obama took office two years ago, the overall development of Sino-U.S. relations is stable despite disputes over issues related to Taiwan, Tibet, RMB exchange rate and trade between the two countries. Hu and Obama agreed to build "a positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship for the 21st century" during their first meeting in London in April 2009.

In November 2009, Obama paid a state visit to China, during which the two sides reiterated in a joint statement that "they are committed to building a positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship for the 21st century, and will take concrete actions to steadily build a partnership to address common challenges."