The Chinese leader will be welcomed at a formal ceremony given by Obama at the White House ahead of their talks. Obama will host Hu for an official state dinner on Wednesday night.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) is welcomed upon his arrival at Washington, the United States, on Jan. 18, 2011. Hu Jintao landed here Tuesday for a four-day state visit. [Huang Jingwen/Xinhua]

According to Chinese officials, during his visit, President Hu will meet with people from various walks of life in the United States, and elaborate on the domestic and foreign policies of the Chinese government and on how to advance China-U.S. relations in the new era.

The two sides are expected to sign a series of important cooperation documents and announce a host of new cooperation projects in economy and trade, energy, environmental protection, infrastructure development, science and technology and people-to-people exchanges.

During a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Jan. 4, Obama reaffirmed his commitment to "building a bilateral relationship that is comprehensive in scope, positive in achievement, and cooperative in nature."

"The President said he looked forward to the visit of President Hu and to the U.S. and China working together effectively to address global challenges," said a White House statement.