On United States visit, China’s president seeks to reassure on trade, security

Other dignitaries included Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State.

At the same time, a group of pro-Chinese protesters, some of them wearing hats emblazoned with “USA”, waved Chinese and US flags and large red cloth signs that read “Hello President Xi” in Chinese characters.

China’s neighbors – including such longtime USA allies as Japan and the Philippines – feel increasingly threatened. The governors were expected to meet privately with Xi later in the day.

Notable absences at Wednesday’s business discussion were representatives from Twitter, Facebook and Google.

Xi was to deliver a policy speech during a banquet Tuesday evening. These past few days, many shows were talking about the USA , praising the country like it’s a flower…

With the Obama administration increasingly at odds with Beijing over its territorial claims in the South China Sea, cyber theft of United States business secrets and alleged unfair business practices against USA investors in China, Xi could have his best chance to clear some air while in Seattle.

Striking agreements to ensure continued robust global trade was a top priority, he said. “China will never close its open door to the outside world”, Xi said, according to a translation of his remarks.

“China is a strong defender of cybersecurity”.

Also Tuesday, TerraPower Inc., an energy company founded by Bill Gates, entered into an agreement with China National Nuclear Corp.to work together on next-generation nuclear power plant technology.

The Chinese premier is in the United States for a week-long official visit to offer assurances on the topic, following allegations of cyber attacks on American businesses and government agencies. American officials say hacking attacks originating from China are approaching epidemic levels.

The tightly controlled Seattle visit has blocked off a number of Seattle streets, though that has not stopped demonstrations decrying topics such as China’s human rights record and treatment of Tibet.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and his wife Peng Liyuan wave upon arrival Tuesday, September 22, 2015, at Boeing Field in Everett, Wash.

“These are the largest economies in the world, and we’re the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, so improving cooperation and collaboration is really a necessity”. With little hope of settling major political differences during a summit later this week with President Barack Obama, in Seattle “the meeting is the message”, said Christopher Johnson, a former Central Intelligence Agency China analyst now at the Center for Strategic and worldwide Studies.

The US has demanded that China stop those activities, calling them out of step with worldwide norms and a risk for sparking conflict in the region. “Second, it’s a huge business opportunity”.

“Both sides recognize the opportunity for job creation”, he explained. The governors meeting with Xi was to include Inslee, Jerry Brown of California, Rick Snyder of Michigan, Terry Branstad of Iowa and Kate Brown of Oregon.

The Chinese president’s trip to the USA comes as Republican presidential candidates there said that the leader should not be honoured with a state dinner at the White House.