Chinese President Hu Jintao promised to help create needed jobs in the United States as he basked in a warm welcome in Chicago at the end of an often contentious state visit.
A day after heated discussions with lawmakers in Washington, Hu tried to show a more human side of the rising Asian power as he visited the third largest US city on Friday, where he met with business leaders, students and local dignitaries.
At a suburban warehouse, Hu toured an exhibition showcasing 10 Chinese companies that operate in the Midwestern metropolis which he said "have injected fresh momentum into the American economy and created jobs here."
"The Chinese government will continue to encourage our companies to do business and make investments here. We hope the American government will help provide a welcome environment for Chinese businesses," Hu said through an interpreter.
Hu afterward closed the long-awaited state visit, flying out of snowy O'Hare International Airport with the US ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, seeing him off.
China has faced intense pressure from the United States and other major economies over its economic policies, with Beijing a favorite target of candidates during last year's congressional election.
Many US lawmakers accuse China of artificially keeping its currency low so it can flood the world with cheap exports. Hu, in a speech in Washington, hit back by saying that US consumers have saved $600 billion in the past decade thanks to "quality yet inexpensive Chinese products."
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, addressing a trade forum in Chicago on the sidelines of Hu's visit, said US businesses operating in China worry about the theft of intellectual property, closed decision-making and preferences toward domestic companies.
"In my travels across the country, I continue to hear stories of exasperation from American business leaders concerned about the commercial environment in China," Locke said.
Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming replied by calling for a boost in US exports to narrow the trade deficit.
"Our two countries need to sit down and work it out so there won't be such a huge trade deficit and trade surplus," he told the conference.
At the start of Hu's visit, President Barack Obama's administration said that China had agreed to contracts that would support 235,000 US jobs, including a $19 billion deal to buy 200 planes from Chicago-based Boeing Co.
Mayor Richard Daley escorted Hu throughout his tour of Chicago, the adopted hometown of Obama and headquarters of some 300 companies that do business in China including Boeing, telecom giant Motorola, and iconic chewing gum maker Wrigley.
"Our long-range goal is to make Chicago the most 'China-friendly' city in the United States," Daley said.
Hu started the final day of his state visit at a Chicago school that teaches Chinese language and culture. He beamed as a student presented him with a bouquet of orchids.
Chicago teenagers learning Chinese waved flags and shouted "Huanying," or "Welcome," as he arrived. Students donned traditional garb as they performed Chinese handkerchief and kung fu fan dances.
"I hope all the students here will value your precious time, study hard, enrich your lives and lay a full foundation for you future career and lives," Hu said, as he invited 20 of the teenagers and faculty members to visit China.
"We were especially struck by how bright and inquisitive the students are and by your many talents and you all around development."
Kristin Brantley, 16, said she studies Mandarin and Chinese culture because "I think it's going to be important in the future."
"It's pretty exciting. All my teachers have been telling us this is a huge deal," she told AFP.
Obama on Wednesday welcomed Hu for a gala black-tie dinner at the White House, part of efforts between the world's two largest economies to seek areas of cooperation despite rivalry on numerous issues.
Hu and Obama disagreed at a joint news conference on a series of points, including over China's human rights record.
But the Obama administration said that it sensed progress over North Korea, with China joining the United States in expressing concern over Pyongyang's uranium enrichment.
The New York Times reported Friday that Obama stepped up the tone on North Korea, warning Hu that the United States will have to redeploy forces in Asia unless Beijing reins in its ally.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs did not confirm the report, but said that the US side had tried to get China to understand its deep concerns over North Korea's actions.
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