First day of President Xi state visit

1. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, formally begin a four-day state visit to the UK
2. They took part in a procession down the Mall to Buckingham Palace
3. Thousands of supporters greeted him, but so too did protesters angry at China's human rights record
4. President Xi addressed MPs and peers in Parliament's Royal Gallery
5. A State Banquet will be held on Tuesday evening at Buckingham Palace

End of day one

That's the end of day one of our live coverage of the state visit. The itinerary for day two includes President Xi visiting Imperial College London before meeting with David Cameron for talks at Downing Street.

Musical entertainment

The musical entertainment for the banquet is being played by the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra and includes a number of Chinese folk songs - which are likely to be popular with Madame Peng who is a famous folk singer in China.

BBC

Dinner time

And now, to dinner. Here's a reminder of what's on offer for guests tonight.

President toasts Queen

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President Xi raises a toast to Queen and the rest of the Royal Family 

World War Two

President Xi highlights co-operation between China and the UK during the Second World War. He says China will never forget the support of the UK.

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President Xi is speaking now. He is greeting guests and thanking the Queen. 

Guests stand to toast Mr Xi

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'Defining moment"

The Queen concludes by saying Mr Xi's visit is a "defining moment in this very special year for our bilateral relationship." 

I am confident that it will serve to highlight the sincerity and warmth of our friendship and to strengthen relations between our countries for many years to come."

'Responsibility to co-operate'

The Queen says Britain and China are "stewards of the rules-based international system". 

We have a responsibility to co-operate on these issues which have a direct bearing on the security and prosperity of all our peoples."

'International challenges'

The Queen praises the "global partnership" between the UK and China. She adds:

We have much reason to celebrate the dynamic, growing economic relationship between our countries as well as our success in working together to address pressing international challenges."

'Far reaching positive effects'

Recalling late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, the Queen tells the banquet: 

Almost thirty years later, Mr Deng’s vision has borne remarkable fruit. Rapid economic growth and development has transformed the lives of people across China and lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty: a huge and historic achievement with far reaching positive effects on people’s lives."

Queen on China visit

Recalling a visit to China with Prince Philip 30 years ago, the Queen says: 

It was China’s desire to shape a new future which captivated us the most. We were struck by the energy and enthusiasm with which China’s leaders were forging ahead with a new and ambitious future for the Chinese people."

Queen welcomes President

Greeting President Xi. the Queen says she is "delighted" to welcome the Chinese president and his wife, Madame Peng, to the palace. 

Your visit to the United Kingdom marks a milestone in this unprecedented year of co-operation and friendship between the United Kingdom and China, as we celebrate the ties between our two countries and prepare to take them to ambitious new heights."

The top table

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Queen and President Xi arrive

Here are the Queen and President Xi arriving. They will make speeches before the meal. 

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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn arrives

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PM and chancellor arrive

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What guests will be eating...

Here's the menu for tonight's banquet:

Guests arriving

Guests are arriving for the State Banquet. Here's Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England (middle). 

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State Banquet about to start

This is the scene inside Buckingham Palace, with the State Banquet due to begin shortly.

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'Friendly relations'

Visa pledge

 The paper includes a report of a promise of cheap UK visas for Chinese tourists.    

Rest of the week...

After tonight's State Banquet, President Xi will spend another three days in the UK. Here's some of what he'll be doing:

Wednesday

• Imperial College London visit
• Meeting with David Cameron at Downing Street

Thursday

• Visit global satellite communication services company
• Dinner at Chequers

Friday

• University of Manchester visit
• Event at Manchester Airport before departure

State Banquet preview

A new relationship?

Traditionally, the relationship between China and the UK has been a difficult one. But could that be changing, partly as a result of China's extreme wealth?

Here's a report from BBC Chinese Service reporter Vincent Ni.

Recap: President Xi speech

China's President Xi Jinping addressed both Houses of Parliament at Westminster earlier, quoting 'What's past is prologue' from Shakespeare's The Tempest, and emphasising the need for countries to ''forge ahead together''.

You can watch a clip here. 

More than one special relationship?

PA on Corbyn-Xi talks

Some more detail from Jeremy Corbyn's meeting with President Xi from the Press Assocation's Laura Elston and Joe Churcher:

"The pair shook hands cordially with Mr Corbyn placing his other hand on top and telling Mr Xi: "It's very nice to meet you. I look forward to our meeting." 

"Mr Corbyn introduced his small delegation to the Communist leader including shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn and shadow business secretary Angela Eagle, who also shook hands with Mr Xi. 

"The Labour leader and the president took their seats in identical chairs as Mr Xi began speaking at length through an interpreter, telling Mr Corbyn: "It is indeed a great pleasure to meet you". 

"He expressed his congratulations to Mr Corbyn on his election as Labour leader and said "We stand ready to work together with Britain" on financial matters and on friendship."

PA

What are people in China saying?

How do the Chinese view UK politicians? BBC Monitoring's Kerry Allen has been taking a look. 

It seems Chinese netizens are more enthralled by the popular British TV export Sherlock than Mr Cameron, regard London Mayor Boris Johnson as an "insane" sportsman, Chancellor George Osborne as Mr Bean's doppelganger and Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond as "somebody's grandpa."

Human rights

More on Corbyn-Xi talks

BBC

Here's more from the Labour Party on Jeremy Corbyn's meeting with President Xi. A statement says the Labour leader and Mr Xi discussed:

• The history of links between the UK, the Labour Party and China
• The "remarkable" Chinese achievements in poverty reduction lifting over 600 million people out of poverty and the lessons for the world agenda on human development
• Xi Jinping’s New Silk Road strategy, the "largest infrastructure project devised", which aims to "improve connectivity from China across Eurasia" and other opportunities for economic and trade co-operation
• Working together to address "major threats to world security such as climate change, persistent economic inequality and international terrorism"
• Climate change
• Cultural and people-to people exchanges between China and the UK

The statement adds:

Jeremy also raised the issues of human rights and the impact of Chinese imports on the UK steel industry. It was agreed there should be further discussion of co-operation on climate change and cultural exchanges and these issues at a meeting between him, shadow cabinet colleagues and Vice Minister Wang Chao later in the week."

Jeremy Corbyn meets President Xi

Labour says party leader Jeremy Corbyn's meeting with Chinese President Xi was "cordial and constructive".

A statement confirms human rights and the impact of Chinese imports on the UK steel industry were raised by Mr Corbyn. 

Recap: UK-China relations

Getty Images

One of the big events of the day so far was President Xi's address at the Royal Gallery in Parliament. He told MPs he believed this week's visit will lift UK-China relations to a "new height".

And he said the UK and China are becoming more interdependent and a "community of shared interests,"

Although China and the UK are located at opposite ends of the Eurasian continent, we have a long shared deep mutual affection."

More arriving at palace

BBC

Anti-China protesters and pro-Beijing supporters are still arriving at Buckingham Palace as the sun sets. President Xi is due there shortly. 

Steel debate

Away from the official engagements of the day, there has been discussion about Chinese steel subsidies and the impact they are having on the UK steel industry. Earlier Tata Steel announced nearly 1,200 job losses at its plants in Scunthorpe and Lanarkshire - and some are blaming the impact of Chinese dumping.

Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to raise the issue with President Xi. Carrie Gracie, the BBC's China editor, says the Chinese delegation will have been "made aware" of British concerns, but it remains to be seen if they will respond. 

In pictures

It's been a busy first full day of President Xi's visit, and it's not over yet. Click here for a picture gallery of the events so far. Here's a small selection: 

AFP

EPA

AFP

Scene at Buckingham Palace

BBC

This is the scene outside Buckingham Palace as anti-China protesters and pro-Beijing supporters gather ahead of the State Banquet for President Xi. The BBC's Huw Edwards says there's a "lively atmosphere".

Duke and president meet

Tea taken

Keeping them apart

'Worsening crackdown'

Amnesty UK's director Kate Allen has welcomed Commons Speaker John Bercow's references to "international law, individual liberty and morality" when he introduced President Xi Jinping.

Mr Bercow also mentioned the Nobel peace prize, a timely reminder that Chinese Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo is still languishing in jail, serving an 11-year sentence simply for peacefully writing about proposed democratic reforms.

This lavish red-carpet visit comes amid a worsening crackdown on human rights in China, and it's a matter of shame that there has been no mention of that from our government. David Cameron needs to follow the Speaker's example."

Pic: Corbyn arrives at the palace

PA

Arts and crafts

During their time at Clarence House, President Xi and Madame Peng will view a display by the Prince's School for Traditional Arts and meet some of its students.

The school is apparently a place where students learn the "practical skills of the traditional arts and crafts" as well as "an understanding of the philosophy inherent within them" - put slightly more simply, it's things like calligraphy, wood carving and ceramics.   

Historic venue

A couple of shots from the Chinese president's address earlier - given in the beautiful Royal Gallery.

It has been used for receptions for various foreign statesmen and dignitaries such as Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, in 1954, and Nikita Krushchev, of the Soviet Union, in 1956.  

Getty Images

Getty Images

'Violations continue'

BBC

Wherever President Xi goes on his state visit, he is sure to have protesters campaigning for better human rights somewhere nearby.

Chen Guancheng, a lawyer and human rights campaigner,told the BBC outside Buckingham Palace that he was imprisoned for seven years for defending "the vulnerable, the needy, the poor and women's rights".

He added: "These kind of human rights violations continue. Many human rights lawyers and defenders continue to suffer imprisonment and torture."

Corbyn's request

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We're told that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will have a private chat with President Xi a little later today. The Independent's Liam Young says Mr Corbyn will ask the Chinese leader to stop abusing his people if he wants to do deals with Britain.

This, he writes, is a strategy that has "apparently never crossed Cameron or George Osborne’s minds".

'Restoring leadership'

The Henry Jackson Society, a centre-right think tank, is calling on the government to protect domestic security in its trade deals with China. 

Associate Fellow Ellen Bork says:

In pursuit of a 'golden era' of relations, David Cameron and George Osborne have pursued a friendly approach to Beijing, but instead of looking to restore Britain's standing or leadership in a mutually beneficial relationship - the courting of China seeks rather to maximise profit at the cost of long established principles."

Party preparations

Next engagement

Charles and Camilla had best put the kettle on - President Xi has now arrived at Clarence House. 

'Democracy champion'

A bit more on that mention by Commons Speaker John Bercow, in his introductory address for President Xi, of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi.

He described her as a "democracy champion and international symbol of the innate human right of freedom". 

Mr Bercow continued:

Your country is engaged in an experience and an experiment without equal in history. You are attempting to complete an industrial revolution, which took Britain the better part of two centuries, in little more than two decades."

Political 'one-upmanship'

Carrie Gracie

China editor

I thought it was quite entertaining that President Xi Jinping did a bit of one-upmanship about politics. 'Yes,' he said, 'you had your Parliament from the 13th Century, but we started talking about the rule of law and people's rights from 4,000 years ago and began codifying it all 2,000 years ago, so let's just remember who’s really the ancient power here.'

Charles meeting

President Xi and Madame Peng are due to arrive at Clarence House within the next few minutes to meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for tea. Will it be a Chinese blend? 

Weak and strong

Norman Smith

Assistant political editor

I did think Speaker Bercow's initial introduction, mentioning Aung San Suu Kyi, was actually meant as a little dig at the Chinese. Just to say, 'For us, democracy is very, very important.' It was a deliberate move by the Speaker.

As was, I thought, the observation by President Xi when he said 'no country remains strong or weak forever.' You may just read into that that he's thinking, 'In China, we are now strong, Britain, perhaps you are on the road to being rather weaker.'

'Bit of a dig'

Carrie Gracie

China editor

This is the kind of parliamentary experience China's president likes - one where he speaks and everyone listens. 

John Bercow's mention of freedom, and specifically the Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi, seemed pointed, however, and that will have been perceived on the Chinese side as a bit of a dig.

Busy kitchen

The British Monarchy Twitter account continues to tease us with a glimpse of what's on the menu for the state banquet tonight.

'Bilateral ties'

Towards the end of his speech, Mr Xi told the assembled MPs and ministers he hoped they would continue to "promote the UK's relations with China, strengthen our friendship and support our co-operation".

He added: "I hope you will build a bridge of understanding and co-operation so as to help create an even brighter and more promising future of our bilateral ties." 

'Opened up'

BBC

Lords Speaker Baroness d'Souza now begins her address. She says China has "truly opened up to the world" since President Xi took office.

Speech ends

Mr Xi has now finished speaking, and is given a warm round of applause by the crowd.

Great lines

President Xi quotes Shakespeare, saying: "What's past is prologue," and follows it up with a Chinese expression: "A mountain can never be too high, or an ocean too deep."

In full flow

BBC

Invoking history

'Shared interests'

"China and the UK are becoming increasingly interdependent, and becoming a community of shared interests," says Mr Xi.

Key message?

Bilateral relations

"Since the founding of new China in 1949, our two countries have led the way in a number of areas in terms of bilateral relations," says the president. 

'Mutual affection'

President Xi says although China and the UK are located at the opposite ends of the Eurasian continent, "we have all long shared deep mutual affection". He says China is drawing inspiration from Parliament on the rule of law.

All ears

First impressions

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President Xi is now addressing those gathered in the Royal Gallery, and he begins by saying although his visit has just started, he is already impressed by the vitality of Anglo-Chinese relations. 

'Emerging superpower'

Mr Bercow says that what China does will be seen by not just its 1.5bn citizens, but across the globe, as an "emerging superpower" takes its place in the world.

Name checking

Bercow's welcome

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Commons Speaker John Bercow says it is his pleasure to introduce the leader of a nation which is both "very ancient and truly modern" to a parliament both "very ancient and truly modern".

Madame Peng watches on

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The Chinese first lady is in prime position to watch her husband's address.

President arrives

President Xi is now in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster and has taken his seat.

Exclusive invitation

Leaders' chat

BBC

We're told that President Xi is on his way to the Palace of Westminster to address both Houses of Parliament.

In the meantime, Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn are passing the time with a bit of small talk - which at times, to be honest, looked a bit tense.

Full house for Xi address

BBC

China criticised?

Commons Speaker John Bercow has appeared to indirectly criticise China on the day its president is due to address both Houses of Parliament.

Intervening during a question in the Commons comparing the UK's relationships with China and India, Mr Bercow said: "And of course the Indian prime minister is the representative of a great democracy."

Mr Bercow is due to introduce President Xi around 4.10pm ahead of his speech.

'Attract investment'

BBC

Former Lib Dem business secretary Vince Cable says it is "absolutely right" that the UK engages with China and that its leader is treated with "proper respect".

It's a massive economic force. It's important we have good relations with them, it's important we attract investment and it's important that we're able to trade with them and protect the interests of British companies who operate in China."

Chinese artefacts

British Monarchy

Fancy having a look at what President Xi saw on his tour of the Royal Collection, which had a Chinese theme in his honour? Thencheck out this Flickr page,created by Buckingham Palace.

Bagging a good spot

Gift exchanges

Christmas has come early at Buckingham Palace. Apparently the Queen has given the Chinese president a collection of Shakespeare's sonnets and received two of his wife's folk albums in return.

Xi Jinping is said to admire the Bard's work, while Madame Peng is a famous singer in China.

It is not known which of Madame Peng's albums the Queen was given, but her back catalogue includes My Fellow Countrymen, China Golden Voice and the relaxing-sounding Smooth Sailing.

The Queen also gave the couple her traditional gift to world leaders - a pair of silver framed photographs of herself and the Duke of Edinburgh, while in return, Mr Xi gave her a 1.18m long work of embroidery, a large porcelain dish, a woodcarving and a stamp booklet. 

Two camps

Media analysis

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Here's an interview with BBC Monitoring’s Chinese media analyst Kerry Allen about the reaction there on official sources and social media to President Xi’s UK visit. 

Putting on a show

Reuters

As President Xi prepares to give a speech inside Parliament, his supporters perform outside.

'Broader issues'

Linda Yueh, of the London Business School, says the focus for this state visit seems to be on investment and a potential "golden era", economically speaking, between the two countries - a situation she describes as "rather unusual". 

It's not, she argues, supposed to be purely a meeting of finance ministers.

As a state visit, the first by this president, it should actually be one where there was a broader range of meetings and issues to debate."

Collection inspection

We've also been given a peek at the postprandial entertainment.

Lettuce lunch

We may have failed to find out what's on Buckingham Palace's dinner menu, but the monarchy Twitter account has happily posted an image from the lunch laid on for the Chinese party.

Looks very green, with a dash of hard-boiled egg. 

Menu mystery

A BBC News website reporter has been bashing the phones, attempting to prise the state banquet menu from the grasp of the Buckingham Palace press office.

The palace, however, are having none of it, only saying that the menu will be released later this evening. 

Pleased to meet you

The state banquet tonight promises to be a very swanky affair, with many important people attending the occasion.

Just in case anyone on the guest list happens to be reading this, here's another look at how you pronounce the names of the guests of honour.

Xi Jinping is pronounced SHEE jin PING - "sh" as in ship, "j" as in Jack.

His wife's name, Peng Liyuan is pronounced PUNG lee yue-AN - "u" as in bun, "ue" as in French vu. 

Tibetan view

In case you missed it, here’s another look at a report from Tibet, where the BBC's John Sudworth asks what people there think of the UK strengthening ties with China.    

Ceremonial welcome

PA

The Chinese president has enjoyed a lavish welcome in the UK, as the BBC's Nicholas Witchell reports.

MPs clash over China

In the House of Commons, Labour’s Tristram Hunt asks Business Secretary Sajid Javid: “Can you explain what talks you are having this week with visiting Chinese officials on dumping, state aid and environmental regulation, and when will you stand up for Britain?"

Mr Javid responds: "This week there will... be announcements of further business from China incoming to Britain, opportunities for British companies to export to China, in total worth over £25bn to the British economy. That will help sustain thousands and thousands of jobs throughout the country."

No news on Corbyn's conversation

Jeremy Corbyn's staff have refused to comment on what topics will be raised when the Labour leader meets the Chinese president. A statement will be issued after the two men meet, they say.

Prince meets president

Reuters

Earlier, Prince Charles met President Xi Jinping at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in London.

BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt says the prince will be a "notable absentee" at the state banquet later.

The prince boycotted a similar event in 1999 because he "didn't approve of the Chinese regime" - but this time there has been no official explanation for why he will not attend the banquet, our correspondent adds.

Osborne 'right to cosy up to China'

Is Britain right to pursue a stronger relationship with China? Well, the Telegraph has picked out three polls of British people's views on China. According to the surveys, more than half of Britons think the Chinese economy will grow over the next 20 years, and China was the top choice when people were asked which country would be the UK's most valuable trading partner by that time. When asked if Britain should have closer or weaker trading ties with China, "closer" was the top choice, followed by "about the same", the paper reports.

President arrives at the Palace

MOD

MoD

MoD

'Right time to engage with China'

The Daily Politics

Conservative Alan Mak, the UK's first ethnic Chinese MP, was asked on the BBC's Daily Politics earlier if it is wise to encourage so much Chinese investment in the UK.

He said the state visit by the Chinese president was "an important and positive visit for UK plc". It is "absolutely the right time" to be engaging "with the world's second largest economy", he added.

He insisted the government was "not afraid" to raise human rights with the regime, but said politicians could only have "frank discussions" if there were "strong, strategic economic" relations "and that is what we have got".  

Colourful scenes

Here are some more images of the pomp, ceremony and protest going on in London today, to mark the state visit of President Xi Jinping.

EPA

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AFP

Getty Images

'Multi-century mystique'

Carrie Gracie

China editor

This visit is hugely popular in China. The message is pretty much the same, whether you're looking at state media or social media. State media is saying this is the reddest of the red carpet for our president, and going big on all the angles in which he's being accorded particular honours. For a Chinese Communist leader it's very, very useful to be seen with a leader who rises above the political fray like the Queen. That kind of multi-century dignity and mystique is what a leader like President Xi is hoping for.

Prime minister's plans

A word from the Westminster lobby on those conversations Norman Smith mentioned. David Cameron's official spokeswoman said he would raise the issue of steel in talks with President Xi at Downing Street on Wednesday, and she accepted that competitive pricing from China was not helping the industry. 

She continued:

It will be an opportunity to talk about the different challenges facing our economies and the way that decisions taken by one impact on another. There are a number of challenges facing the UK steel industry. Competitive pricing from China is one of those, but so is global over-production and the fall in the steel price."

Engaging... to a point

Reuters

The BBC's royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell notes the cordial greeting that took place between Prince Charles and President Xi, but points out that this is the prince who infamously described a previous generation of Chinese leaders as "appalling old waxworks". 

Our correspondent does highlight the fact that Charles won't attend the state banquet tonight at Buckingham Palace - he has engaged with this visit, but only to a point. 

'Awkward conversation'

Norman Smith

Assistant political editor

The government is under pressure to intervene in the steel industry on the very day David Cameron is rolling out the red carpet for the Chinese president. He now has to have a very awkward conversation about the alleged "dumping" of Chinese steel in the UK which has prompted these job losses.

Carriage scenes

Here's a well-taken photo of President Xi in good spirits with the Queen inside the Diamond Jubilee stage coach as it passed down the Mall. 

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And here's a shot of the carriage in all its glory. 

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MP's anger

BBC

Over in the House of Commons, Labour has asked an urgent question on the trouble in the British steel industry. Shadow business minister Kevin Brennan told MPs that "while the Chinese president is riding down the Mall in a gilded state coach, British workers are being laid off because our government's not standing up for them". 

Protester's perspective

'Stay friends'

Talon Li, a Chinese finance student at Greenwich University, was one of those watching Xi Jinping pass down the Mall.

He said he had arrived at 5.30 this morning with some classmates to welcome Xi and support closer ties between the two countries. 

It's great UK and China will really help each other. They should stay friends. Every British and Chinese person can be friends.''

Lunch time

Now they've arrived at Buckingham Palace, the first thing on the order of business will be for the president and his wife to have some lunch.  

Arriving at the palace

Mandarin major

Reuters

The guard of honour was comprised of 96 rank-and-file men and three officers from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. 

Maj Benjamin Jesty, captain of the guard of honour, marched forward and presented his men giving the order in Mandarin. 

His exact words were: "The Guard of Honour of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards is present, formed up and ready for your inspection, sir."

The major has apparently been practising his Mandarin for a number of weeks. 

View from above

MoD

Quelling concerns

As we devote our attention to the more ceremonial matters, our colleagues over in Westminster have been digesting Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond's remarks this morning on China. In a nutshell - we shouldn't fear China's intentions.

New relationship?

Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK comes at an interesting time for Sino-British relations.

Traditionally, the two nations have had a difficult relationship but China's extreme wealth could be bringing them closer, as BBC Chinese Service reporter Vincent Ni explains in this two-minute primer on China-UK relations.

Sunny shine

MoD

The Diamond Jubilee state coach, carrying Xi Jinping and the Queen, carries on its journey towards Buckingham Palace, its gold trim shining in the abundant sunshine. It's accompanied by ranks of troops dressed in their finery.

Warm greeting

PA

Here's the moment Chinese President Xi Jinping met Queen Elizabeth II a short time ago.

Noisy trip

BBC

The carriage carrying Xi Jinping is making its way down a very noisy Mall, with crowds cheering, whistles blowing and cymbals crashing as he passes by. 

On their way

BBC

To the tune of God Save The Queen, the various Royal carriages leave Horse Guards Parade to head off down the Mall, in a fair bit of autumnal sunshine. 

Chinese collection

BBC

The Queen takes her seat alongside President Xi. Upon their arrival at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty will invite the president and his wife to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery, of items from the Royal collection relating to China.

Carriage awaits

BBC

The very fancy Diamond Jubilee state coach has arrived at Horse Guards Parade, ready to take the Royal party and the Chinese first couple down the Mall, to Buckingham Palace for a spot of lunch. 

Guard inspection

President Xi is taken on an inspection of the Guard of Honour by Prince Philip. 

Smoke, no fire

BBC

Smoke is rising above Green Park thanks to all the ceremonial guns going off. Wonder what the ducks make of it all.  

Rapturous welcome

Making introductions

BBC

The President, dressed in a dark suit, along with his wife Madame Peng, who is dressed in cream, are being introduced to various dignitaries by the Queen.

In the background, the 41-gun salute adds a rather noisy soundtrack to all the handshaking. 

BBC

President arrives

BBC

President Xi Jinping has arrived to a gun salute at Horse Guards Parade.

Lending an ear

AFP

David Cameron was spotted leaning forward to speak to the Queen at Horse Guards Parade. Must be noisy there. 

War of words on the Mall

Colour choices

PA

The home secretary chose a red dress, hat and shoes for the day, perhaps to echo the Chinese flag. David Cameron opted to leave his red tie at home though.

Awaiting her guests

BBC

The Queen is awaiting her esteemed visitors at Horse Guards Parade. 

Gun salute

President Xi can look forward to an honour guard and a 41-gun salute at Horse Guards Parade. He's currently travelling the short distance by car from his hotel.

Presidential wave

BBC

A smiling President Xi waves at crowds and cameras outside his hotel. Prince Charles was alongside him as he emerged.

On his way

President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng have just emerged from the Royal Mandarin Hotel. Quick picture coming soon.

Her Majesty in place

BBC

Here's the Queen and Prince Philip greeting the prime minister as all of them await the Chinese president.

Queen arrives

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have arrived at Horse Guards Parade, where they are now chatting with the various dignitaries already there. 

Cameron arrives

BBC

Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May have arrived at Horse Guards parade, ahead of the ceremony due to take place there soon. 

Hotel history

The president and his wife were not staying at Buckingham Palace last night - rather they are slumming it at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, in London’s Knightsbridge.

The hotel, which boasts 169 rooms and 26 suites and is the home to Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner restaurant, is owned by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, based in Hong Kong.

Lining up

Pool

Final preparations have been taking place on Horse Guards Parade ahead of the Chinese leader's arrival. And the world's media is out in force.

PA

Dragon their feet

Plenty happening on the streets of London today, thanks to Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit. Here's a few of the sights to be seen. 

Reuters

Reuters

Reuters

AFP

Cameron is wrong on China - says former adviser

David Cameron's former strategy adviser Steve Hilton isn't too impressed by the government's approach to China. Writing in the Daily Mail, he warns that  "by embracing the Chinese dictatorship, we bring national and moral dishonour".

Rather than "rolling out the red carpet" Britain should stand up to the "dangerous rogue state", he argues, citing its poor human rights record.

I understand why David Cameron and George Osborne are doing this. They genuinely believe it’s in Britain’s long-term economic interests. Well, although they are good friends and I usually support them wholeheartedly, on this issue, as they have known for years, I think they are deeply wrong."

Mr Hilton argues that Britain should instead look to India, "a genuine democracy", as a "more fruitful", long-term partner to "promote progress and prosperity".  

Crowd trouble?

Royal greeting

PA

Assuming everything's going to plan, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall should be having a chat with President Xi and Madame Peng at the Royal Mandarin Hotel any time now. They'll head from there to the Mall shortly.

This image shows those sumptuous surroundings with a heavy police presence last night.

Falun Gong protest

BBC

Practitioners of the Falun Gong spiritual movement, which is banned in China, are also staging a protest on the Mall. 

This image of them was taken by a member of the BBC's Chinese team.     

'Good natured'

BBC

The BBC's Ben Geogehan, on the Mall, describes the two sides of the events there. 

On the one hand, thousands of students from all over the country are welcoming President Xi - it's quite festive, quite noisy. On the other side is Amnesty International, trying to hold a human rights protest. And every so often the former turn up in front of the latter and try to upstage them. The police are watching it closely, but it's all good natured so far. A short time ago, a student tried to throw a red Chinese flag over the head of a man carrying a protest placard - the police gently asked him to move on."

'Receptive audience'

Sir Anthony says he is sure the issue of cheap Chinese steel imports will be raised with President Xi by Prime Minister David Cameron. "I don't think that's a problem," he goes on. "In any of these visits there are always a number of contentious and difficult issues. 

We don't agree with the Chinese on everything. One of the points of a visit like this is that it makes it possible to discuss those issues frankly, and with a receptive audience."

'Important symbol'

BBC

Sir Anthony Galsworthy, former UK ambassador to China, says the state visit is a "very important symbol, more important in China than it is in Britain". 

He added: 

It will be seen as a mark that the leadership wishes to see a good relationship with this country, and people in China will take that as a signal. It should help with a lot of business that we have with China."

Celebratory mood

Fighting to be heard

'Cruel irony'

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of steelworkers' union Community, said the government should "hang its head in shame" at the news of job cuts by Tata Steel. 

"The cruel irony of the prime minister welcoming the Chinese Premier as UK steel jobs are cut partly due to Chinese steel dumping will not be lost on the UK's steelworkers and their communities," he said.  

'Shocking' record

Reuters

Amnesty International has organised a protest today to coincide with the Chinese president's arrival at Buckingham Palace. Its UK director Kate Allen told the BBC:

What we see in China is a country and a government that executes more people than the rest of the world together. That record in terms of human rights is such a shocking and appalling one. The idea that we would simply brush that under the carpet, that our prime minister would turn his back on brave people in China who have been fighting for their human rights for a trade deal - that is not the way we want to do business in the UK."

Steeling the industry

AFP

Tata Steel has announced 1,200 job losses at its plants in Scunthorpe, Lanarkshire and Scotland.

They are the latest in a series of job to go across the UK steel sector, and Tata has this morning said imports of steel plate into Europe have doubled in the past two years and and imports from China have quadrupled, causing prices to fall steeply.

Meetings and speeches

Getty

Back to the day's agenda and there's still a bit more lined up for the president on Tuesday, the first full day of his four-day visit. The Duke of Cambridge will call on him at Buckingham Palace, as will Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. 

In the evening the Queen will give a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty and President Xi will both make speeches.

The Guardian cites reports which claim the private meeting was arranged to prevent an embarrassing semi-public challenge by Mr Corbyn on China’s human rights record during the ceremonial dinner.    

'Quaint, broke and insignificant'

Tea and talks

Following a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, the Queen, Mr Xi and Madame Peng will visit the Palace of Westminster, where the president will deliver an address in the Royal Gallery to members of both Houses of Parliament.

Afterwards, President Xi and Madame Peng will meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House. 

The president and Madame Peng will see a display by the Prince's School for Traditional Arts and meet students, and afterwards will join their Royal Highnesses for tea. Perhaps the Chinese couple may bring their own?

Coming up

Reuters

The Chinese first couple have a busy day ahead of them. Let's take a look at what they've got in store. 

The president and Madame Peng will first visit Horse Guards Parade, where the president will receive a ceremonial welcome. The Guard of Honour will give a Royal Salute and the Chinese national anthem will be played.

Afterwards, the couple will join the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for a state carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace, which is already decked out with an abundance of flags, both official and owned by Chinese in London. 

Drums and dragons

Tibetan ties

AP

With President Xi Jinping in the UK for a state visit, what do people in Tibet make of Britain's strengthening ties with China?

Beijing correspondent John Sudworth reports from Aba.

Welcome sign

BBC

According to the BBC Chinese service, some British Chinese citizens bought a time slot on a billboard in London's Piccadilly Circus to flash out a welcome message to Xi Jinping.  

The Chinese writing says: "Jinping, greetings." 

The view from China

Nuclear investment

EDF

Xi Jinping's state visit comes as China's economy grew by just 6.9% in the third quarter, the weakest rate since the global financial crisis. It's still, of course, a growth rate many nation's would be proud of.

Chinese companies are to be allowed to take a stake in British nuclear power plants - and a final decision on their possible involvement in a new plant at Hinkley Point, Somerset - as imagined above - could be announced during this week's visit.

A trip by Mr Xi and Mr Cameron to Manchester later this week is also expected to see the announcement of further investment in the so-called "Northern powerhouse" project.

Security sources have told The Times the prospect of Chinese involvement in UK nuclear power poses a threat to national security, but Downing Street has played down the risk.

Caving in

AP

The BBC's China editor, Carrie Gracie, has been to see the cave where Xi Jinping lived for seven years in his youth, a time when he also worked as a farmer.

She had a spot of bother there with someone she calls a "propaganda chief" but managed to get her report finished anyway. 

Opposing view

Food for thought

AFP

The state banquet scheduled for this evening at Buckingham Palace will naturally be a very fine affair, with all the guests dressed up to the nines. Among the guests are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and David Cameron.

However, Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to wear a white tie and tails, or to bow to the Queen. Why is this? 

Human rights questions

The Independent has run an article detailing what it says are the Chinese human rights abuses David Cameron will not raise with Xi Jinping. 

These include, it says, the use of torture in prisons and a lack of workers' rights and trade unions.

On the Mall

'Panting puppy'

Reuters

James McGregor, chairman of consultancy group APCO Worldwide's Chinese operations, warns that Britain would be seen as being "on a leash" by the Chinese leadership. 

He told the Today programme: "This is incredible what's going on right now, with the British government saying 'we want to be your best friend, we want to be your best friend, we'll do anything for it.' 

Well, if you act like a panting puppy, the object of your attention is going to think they have got you on a leash. China does not respect people that suck up to him. I think England is going to rue the day they did this."

Pro-China support on the Mall

Reuters

Reuters

Reuters

Newspaper view

Tuesday's Daily Mirror is pretty clear about what it wants to see from the prime minister during the Chinese visit.

Balancing act

AFP

More from Philip Hammond on steel. He told the Today programme: "If we had steel prices in the UK that were far out of line with the steel prices in other countries, our downstream industries would not be able to be competitive with the products they produce."

He continued:

So, we have got to get the balance right. Trying to protect our steel industry in a sensible way, which we are doing, but recognising that we are operating in a global economy and we can't simply build a wall around the UK."

Steel 'dumping'

The state visit coincides with a time of crisis in the UK steel industry, with some pointing fingers of blame at China. British politicians are facing pressure to raise concerns about the "dumping" of cheap steel with the Chinese leader. 

Philip Hammond said "substantial tariffs" had been imposed on Chinese steel imports but insisted on the Today programme earlier that it was a matter of balancing the protection of the UK's steel industry with working in a global economy. 

Vital source of funds

'Eyes wide open'

AP

Not everyone is entirely comfortable with the UK's ever closer ties with its Far Eastern friend. China's human rights record is just one issue about which British politicians have been quizzed.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond - pictured with President Xi shortly after his arrival on Monday - says Britain will not be naive in its dealings with China. 

 He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It's very much in our national interest to engage with China but we do so with our eyes wide open. 

"I think we are developing a mature relationship with the Chinese. They know that we are looking not just to China but to many other countries for infrastructure investment in the UK." 

What's in a name?

Ever wondered how to pronounce the name of China's most powerful couple?

Xi Jinping is pronounced SHEE jin PING - "sh" as in ship, "j" as in Jack.

Peng Liyuan is pronounced PUNG lee yue-AN - "u" as in bun, "ue" as in French vu. 

So now you can impress your Chinese friends. 

'Globetrotting folksinger'

AFP

The Chinese President's wife Peng Liyuan is a woman of note in her own right, a successful singer who was famed forsinging syrupy sweet folk tunes.

To give you a bit of context, she's been compared overseas to former French first lady Carla Bruni, a renowned chanteuse herself.

The Guardian's profile of Peng Liyuan describes her as a "globetrotting folksinger who has graced stages from New York to Vienna".

Welcome party

Busy itinerary

PA

You’ll find more about Mr Xi’s visit in this story on the BBC News website, including a timeline of the highlights of what’s planned during his four-day trip. He has plenty of events in the diary in London, and will eventually visit Manchester as well. 

He's being accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan. More on her shortly.

Previous state visits

Gett

Here’s a bit of background to set the scene - China’s last state visit was by President Hu Jintao in 2005, who's seen in the image above. 

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh paid a state visit to China themselves in 1986. And the Duke of Cambridge paid an official visit to China in March 2015, on behalf of the government.

Hello and welcome

Welcome to this live page, covering the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UK. Stay with us for the latest news, analysis and images as the day unfolds, with plenty of pomp and a fair bit of ceremony expected.