China's Vice President Xi Jingping Visits Port of L.A.

On Thursday, China’s Vice President, Xi Jingping, toured the Port of Los Angeles. The presumptive heir to current General Secretary and President Hu Jintao is touring the United States to strengthen trade between the two countries.

Xi Jingping visited the Port of L.A. on Friday and said hearing that the port is environmentally friendly is a great thing and that he sees it as a good foundation for U.S. – China economic cooperation.

California Governor, Jerry Brown and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined Vice President Jingping during his tour of the port. The Port of Los Angeles leads the nation in green initiatives and is the cleanest port in the U.S. The port’s recent implementation of plug in electricity for ships, especially cruise ships has eliminated the need for vessels to run their generators while sitting in port – significantly reducing emissions.

China Shipping Group is currently expanding their cargo terminal at the port, doubling its size to 142 acres. The group’s CEO Li Shaode met with Jingping to tour the facilities under construction.

Xi Jingping’s visit began last week when he met with President Obama in Washington D.C. He also made a stop in Iowa where trade deals worth $4.3 billion were signed for the export of soy beans. 

China is the United State's second largest trading partner and both countries hope to strengthen the two-way commerce.

Tonight Xi Jingping, who is a big Kobe Bryant fan, will attend the L.A. Lakers game with Mayor Villaraigosa.