US President Barack Obama said Friday that he and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping must address their differences "candidly," specifically raising the importance of protecting human rights.

"Even as our nations cooperate, I believe -- and I know you agree -- that we must address our differences candidly," Obama said as he welcomed Xi to the White House with full state honors.

"The United States will always speak out on behalf of fundamental truths. We believe nations are more successful and the world makes more progress when our companies compete on a level-playing field, when disputes are resolved peacefully and when the universal human rights of all people are upheld."