Hu Jintao greets Clinton in Beijing

Beijing underscored the importance it attaches to President Clinton by sending Jiang Zemin's heir apparent, Vice-President Hu Jintao, to meet him at the airport. Mr Clinton flew from Xian to Beijing aboard Air Force One, landing at 8.20pm with his 1,000-strong delegation in tow. It is usual for a minister to greet visiting heads of state. The ceremony confirmed Mr Hu's status as the likely successor to Mr Jiang.