Obama State Dinner for Hu Shows Dual Views of China

President Barack Obama often portrays China as an economic bogeyman. With Chinese leader Hu Jintao in Washington, the U.S. president will pivot, emphasizing China as a partner and marketplace.

Hu arrived in Washington today for his first state visit to the U.S. with Chinese executives, including those from auto-parts maker Wanxiang America Corp. Before he leaves the U.S., he will be guest of honor at a formal White House dinner, tour a Chinese factory near Chicago and meet with U.S. business leaders from companies such as Boeing Co. and General Electric Co. Tonight he has a private dinner at the White House with Obama and top aides.