Chinese President Receives Mixed Reception in the US

April 17, 2006

Source: Beliefnet

Wire Service: AP

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/189/story_18977_1.html

On April 17, 2006 the Associated Press reported, "Red and gold Chinese flags drape the International District in celebration of Chinese President Hu Jintao's two-day stop here en route to Washington D.C. But some Seattle residents are not happy that the city and state are rolling out the red carpet. Hundreds of demonstrators are expected downtown after Hu's arrival Tuesday. Practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual movement labeled an 'evil cult' in China, will be protesting oppression. Taiwanese-Americans will be asserting that island nation's right to independence. Tibetans will be calling for an end to China's rule of their homeland. But for many, Hu's visit here - his first U.S. stop before going to Washington, D.C. - is good news.... Chinese-American community leaders organized a welcoming party 'to counteract the protest,' said Ng, who plans to join other media, including scores of reporters from China and Hong Kong, at Boeing Field for his arrival. There won't be many protests from labor, said David Grove with the Washington State Labor Council. This is one state where the balance of trade with China is not a problem, he said. Just last week Beijing placed a tentative order for 80 Boeing jets, and Hu planned to visit Boeing's Everett plant Wednesday."