President Hu Jintao's charming performance and speech prompted Boeing commercial airplanes chief executive Alan Mulally, who chaired the proceedings, to pump his fist and shout "China rocks!" after Hu left.

 

He said Hu's visit to Boeing "exceeded my expectations."

 

"For the president of China's first visit to the US and to have the first place he stops be Paine Field and his thank you to Boeing workers -- it makes my eyes water."

 

Cultural comforts

 

During his stay in Washington, President Hu will find a number of Chinese furnishings gracing his rooms in the Blair House. Items include a Chinese porcelain vase from the 18th century, a Chinese screen from the late 17th century, a Chinese Chippendale mirror from the late 18th century and a modern Chinese-style cabinet. The Blair House was built in 1824 and purchased by the government in 1942.

 

Cute kids

 

Four girls adopted from China by American couples delighted President Hu on Wednesday, prompting the president to hug the children, Washington State's ex-governor, Gary Locke, said.

 

The girls were among six children who greeted and presented Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing with bouquets of flowers after they entered the Future of Flight aviation museum in Everett. "They spoke Chinese…. He was very impressed that the parents were keeping Chinese customs and culture alive," said Locke.

 

Working lunch

 

At the Future of Flight aviation museum in Everett, 600 business and community leaders were on hand for Hu's speech at a cost of US$750 each. They also got to meet the Chinese VIPs traveling in his 100-strong delegation.

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(China Daily April 21, 2006)