Welcoming ceremony becomes short, sweet

BEIJING - A simplified protocol welcomed President Hu Jintao when his plane landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington DC on Monday.

Unlike previous overseas visits by Chinese leaders, passionate crowds holding little flags and waving welcoming banners were not seen this time.

Coming out of the cabin at 11:03 am, Hu took only five minutes to shake hands with American officials, the Chinese ambassador and other welcoming guests before leaving the base.