Obama arrives in Shanghai, kicking off China visit

United States President Barack Obama arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and in one step, kicking off his first visit to China.

His motorcade of black limos will then head toward Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel at the city's center. The hotel has been sealed off by local police since Saturday afternoon.

The 48-year-old is the first US president to visit China within the first year of taking office. He will arrive in Beijing Monday afternoon during his four-day visit and meet with President Hu Jintao, top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The China trip is also part of his first trip to Asia as president. In his wide-ranging speech in Japan on Saturday, Obama said he would welcome, not fear, a robust China as a powerful partner on urgent challenges.

He has earlier called China - already the US's biggest creditor - a "vital partner, as well as a competitor".

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