On November 17, 2009 (October 1, 2009 in the lunar calendar), U.S. President Obama visited China. At 9:50 a.m. on November 17, 2009, President Hu Jintao warmly shook hands with President Obama, who arrived at the North Hall, and welcomed him for a state visit to China. After introducing the officials from both sides attending the welcoming ceremony, the two heads of state walked onto the review stand. The Military Band of the People's Liberation Army of China successively played the national anthems of the United States and China. Later, the captain of the honor guard walked to the review stand and reported to Obama: "Mr. President, the honor guard of the People's Liberation Army of China has completed its formation. Please review it!" Afterwards, accompanied by President Hu Jintao, Obama walked off the review stand and stepped onto the red carpet to review the honor guard of the China People's Liberation Army. After the welcoming ceremony, the two heads of state began talks. Chinese participants in the welcoming ceremony were: Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Lu Yongxiang, State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Dong Jianhua, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Democratic Progressive Party of China Liu Xincheng, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi, Director of the Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping, Minister of Education Yuan Guiren, Minister of Finance Xie Xuren, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs He Yafei, and Director of President Hu Jintao's Office Chen Shiju. Those attending the welcoming ceremony from the United States included: Secretary of State Clinton, U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman, Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Trade Representative Kirk, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Rice, etc. Comment: President Obama's visit to China is of far-reaching significance. China and the United States are countries with important influence. The relationship between the two countries should be cooperation rather than containment, dialogue rather than confrontation, and the two countries should be partners rather than adversaries.