Grand U.S. welcome for China's next leader

WASHINGTON -- The man destined to be China's next leader won an extraordinary welcome across Washington yesterday, a finely scripted opening to one of the world's most important relationships.

Trading kind words of cooperation, President Barack Obama and Xi Jinping spoke directly about human rights and worsening foreign crises.

Everything about the day reflected just how much the two nations need each other, no matter what their differences, given their economic and military might and global influence. Xi got a lengthy Oval Office audience, an elaborate reception at the State Department, full military honors at the Pentagon, a gathering with chief business executives and dinner at Vice President Joe Biden's house.

At the center of it was a president seeking four more years and the man expected to lead China for the next decade. Xi is expected to succeed Hu Jintao as China's president in 2013.

All the symbolism and protocol were intended to pay dividends in the coming decade and to reciprocate for Biden's warm stay in China last year.

There were no obvious breakthroughs -- Xi is not empowered yet, anyway -- but the stature he is set to assume was enough to draw rare attention.

Never before, for example, has the Pentagon heralded a visiting vice president the way Xi was. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta greeted Xi on the steps of the Pentagon's River Entrance, facing the Potomac, as U.S. troops held an honor cordon. Xi got a 19-gun salute.

The relationship between the nations is complex. It is strengthened by their joint need for international stability and economic growth, yet tested by currency disputes, China's limits on basic human freedoms, trade imbalances and growing military tensions.

Obama and Xi kept their focus on a diverse and cooperative agenda, although Obama did push China on human rights and the importance of recognizing the "rights of all people."

In a separate setting later, Xi defended his country's rights records over the past 30 years but added: "Of course there's always room for improvement on human rights." His comments at the State Department luncheon were similar to those made by Hu during a state visit to Washington a year ago.