Highlights in China-U.S. ties over past four decades(7/7)

Then Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President Barack Obama greet the crowds during a welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, the United States, Jan 19, 2011. (Photo/Xinhua)

-- Jan. 18 - 21, 2011: Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to the United States, during which he met with U.S. President Barack Obama. The two sides issued a joint communique on bilateral ties.