Protester disrupts Hu's US visit

Washington: China's President Hu Jintao arrived in Washington early on Thursday and is meeting with US President George W Bush.

A protester interrupted the welcoming ceremony. As Hu addressed Bush, a woman standing in a section with photographers screamed at the Chinese leader for more than a minute before she was led away.

The middle-aged female protester was standing in the press area when she began shouting what seemed to be slogans in support of Falun Gong, a spiritual movement banned in China.

She shouted that Hu was a killer, and should stop persecuting the movement.

In opening remarks, both leaders expressed a desire to tackle the issue of North Korea's nuclear programme.

Hu's speech was briefly interrupted by a protester, who was led away by White House security staff.

Top on the agenda for the meeting are trade issues, as well as finding diplomatic solutions to dissuade Iran and North Korea from pursuing nuclear weapons programmes. Bush is also expected to raise China's emerging military prowess and its human rights record.