President warmly welcomed upon arrival in US
Helen Ji-Li, 44, of San Francisco, said, "I'm here to show the message of peace, love and unity." She was holding a banner that said, "Let's work together for a bright future of prosperity for all in the Asia-Pacific."
The US and China can agree to disagree, but with communication intact, Ji-Li said. "People usually don't trust what they don't understand. I hope they can have deeper conversations and more understanding of each other. Seek the good, and our children's future depends on that. It's important for all Asia-Pacific countries to unite as a team."
Zheng Chaofei, who traveled from Philadelphia, said: "This is a very positive signal, as President Xi is here in the United States by invitation. I believe the US is looking for a point of easing tensions, especially now as the global economy is declining. This meeting presents an opportunity for the two major countries to join hands in boosting the global economy.
"I hope President Xi and Biden will have a good conversation and a positive outlook," Zheng added.
While pointing to people proudly singing Chinese songs and waving China's national flag, Sky Pittman, 26, said she came to welcome Xi and check out the environment.
"I feel optimistic about US-China relations," she added. "It's better to get things across in person. I don't think they (points of disagreement) are something that cannot be resolved in the end. I hope they will cover those tensions and lighten them a little bit. I really hope US-China relations can be improved and be better from this point."
