Washington (CNN) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the United States on Tuesday for a state visit that will include high-profile talks with President Barack Obama on trade, currency, North Korea and other issues. The three-day trip includes a state dinner on Wednesday and the eighth face-to-face meeting between Obama and the Chinese leader, which administration officials say illustrates the importance of relations between two global powers at a time described by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as a "critical juncture." Chinese state media has reported that Hu will stress how a constructive, comprehensive partnership between the two nations could be mutually beneficial and help ensure stability in Asia and worldwide, despite differences between Beijing and Washington on issues such as human rights and currency controls.
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Obama hosts Hu at a small White House dinner Tuesday evening
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Hu is greeted by Vice President Biden on his arrival
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China's human rights record will be a topic of the Obama-Hu talks
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Obama and Hu are expected to discuss trade, currency and North Korea
A military honor guard saluted Hu and a military band played the national anthems of both countries as @placeholder and Biden stood on a red carpet on the air base tarmac.
Gibbs said that Obama would raise human rights concerns with @placeholder.