President Xi Jinping and President Barack Obama held a three-hour private dinner Thursday night, investing more time in building personal ties.
US President Barack Obama (L) chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they walk from the West Wing of the White House to a private dinner across the street at Blair House, in Washington, September 24, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]
US President Barack Obama (L) chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they walk from the West Wing of the White House to a private dinner across the street at Blair House, in Washington, September 24, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]
US President Barack Obama hosts a private dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping at Blair House in Washington DC, September 24, 2015. [Photo by Lan Hongguang]
The private dinner, scheduled for two hours, extended to about three hours, with people around the event saying the two leaders explored many issues.
The two presidents walked shoulder to shoulder through the Pennsylvania Avenue before arriving at the Blair House, reminding audience of their talks during the past two years.
State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Xi’s presidential office head and chief aid Ding Xuexiang joined the dinner.
On the US side, Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice were on hand for the informal dinner.