President Obama greets President Xi with nihao on state visit

US President Barack Obama (R) stands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he welcomes him at the White House for an official State Visit in Washington September 25, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

US President Barack Obama greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan on arrival for an elaborate ceremony on the South Lawn, including a military honor guard.

This reciprocated President Obama's state visit to China in November 2014, making it the tenth state affair of the Obama Administration, the White House said.

Obama said "Nihao" in Chinese when opening his welcome speech.

The welcome ceremony will be followed by a formal summit and a lavish state dinner.