Beijing - Xinhua
US Vice President Joe Biden has officially begun his six-day visit to China. A welcoming ceremony has been held in the Great Hall of People. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping attended this morning's ceremony. Biden will next meet with him and top legislator Wu Bangguo, and a state dinner will follow this evening. Biden will also meet with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday. Leaders of both China and the US will consult on a broad range of issues, including bilateral trade, currency, and Chinese investment in the United States. Biden arrived in Beijing Wednesday evening. His China tour is the first of the planned reciprocal visits between the vice presidents announced during President Hu's state visit to the US in January.