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Chinese President Hu Jintao Visits White House
It was pomp and protest at the White House today as Chinese President Hu Jintao visited for a day of activities that the Bush administration refused to call a state visit. There was full military welcome on the South Lawn as well as a 21-gun salute for Hu, who reviewed the troops prior to heading into the Oval Office for a meeting with Bush. After the session, both talked about their frank exchange and acknowledged ongoing differences on some issues, including Bush’s call on Hu to revalue Chinese currency as a way to reduce the massive trade imbalance between the nations.
In comments to reporters, Bush managed to bring up Houston Rockets basketball player Yao Ming in response to a question about cultural exchange programs. “I mean, he’s a perpetual exchange. He’s a great player and he’s here all the time,” said Bush.
The South Lawn welcome ceremony was marked by a shrieking protester who stood amid reporters on a riser. The woman screamed at Hu, criticizing his record on human rights. The woman was associated with Falun Gong, a banned spiritiual movement that has been subjected to harassment in China. Many more Falun Gong supporters marched outside the White House to protest Hu’s visit.
The last event on Hu’s White House schedule was a “social lunch” in the East Room.
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