Hu Praises Chicago’s “Pioneering” Spirit
Mr. Hu will visit with students participating in a Chinese language and cultural program, then meet with business leaders at a Chinese-owned auto parts plant.
The dinner symbolized Mayor Richard Daley's efforts to attract dozens of Chinese-based businesses to Chicago and the surrounding area, and build strong cultural ties between the world's second-largest economy and the third-largest U.S. city.
In Washington, Mr. Hu held talks on several sensitive issues, including human rights, the economy and North Korea. At a press conference with Mr. Obama on Wednesday, Mr. Hu conceded China needs to improve its human rights record.
Daley, who will retire soon after 22 years in office, told the Chinese leader he hoped for a new relationship between Chicago and China that will “benefit future generations for years to come.”
Large crowds gathered outside the luxury hotel where Thursday's dinner was held. Those gathered included supporters welcoming Mr. Hu to Chicago and protesters waving Tibetan flags and demanding freedom for the Himalayan territory.
Mr. Hu spent the first two days of his U.S. visit holding talks with Mr. Obama at the White House, capped by a lavish state dinner on Wednesday. Before flying to Chicago, he spoke before a group of US.. business executives Thursday and met with leaders of the U.S. House and Senate, where he faced questions about China's human rights record.
U.S. lawmakers are also angry about China's currency and economic policies, which many believe are taking away American manufacturing jobs. Legislation has been introduced in Congress calling for tariffs on Chinese imports if Beijing continues to keep the value of its currency artificially low.
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