Chinese president hosts welcome ceremony for Bush

Chinese President Hu Jintao hosted a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People Sunday morning to welcome visiting US President George W. Bush.

The two heads of state introduced Chinese and US officials attending the ceremony, respectively.

A Chinese military band played the national anthems of the two countries.

Accompanied by President Hu, Bush reviewed the guards of honor of the three services of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Attending the ceremony from the Chinese side were Hu's wife Liu Yongqing, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Sheng Huaren, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Chairman of the China Public Interest Party Luo Haocai, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister in charge of the National

Development and Reform Commission Ma Kai, Commerce Minister Bo Xilai, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong and his wife Xie Shumin, Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Director of President Hu Jintao's Office Chen Shiju.

The US guests attending the ceremony included Bush's wife Laura Bush, US Ambassador to China Clark Randt and his wife Sarah Randt, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

After the welcome ceremony, the two heads of state will hold talks and meet the press.

Source: Xinhua