UK rolls out royal pomp, pageantry for Xi

A display of pomp and royal tradition welcomed President Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan on Tuesday on the first day of a four-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

The visit, the first in 10 years by a Chinese head of state, is widely expected to cement economic ties between the two countries, with billions of pounds of investment deals expected in the coming days.

Analysts also said it offers a chance for leaders from the two countries to engage in deeper political discussions, as the joint relationship has been affected at times by issues including human rights.