BEIJING — U.S. first lady Michelle Obama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, the first day of her week-long China visit, in a sign that the leaders of the world's two largest economies are seeking to build stronger bonds.
The formal meeting between Xi and Mrs. Obama, in the company of Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, and the first lady's daughters and mother, took place in a state guesthouse after Mrs. Obama toured a Beijing high school and the former Imperial Palace with her host Peng.
"I cherish my sound working relationship and personal friendship I already established with your husband," Xi said. "We stay in close touch between phone conversations and correspondence."
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