President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama go on a stroll in Zhongnanhai, the area of Beijing known as the heart of the government, on Tuesday evening, Nov 11, 2014.[Photo/Xinhua]

Relaxed stroll sets mood for Xi, Obama

US President Barack Obama, on his first visit to China since 2009, went on a relaxed stroll with President Xi Jinping on Nov 11 in Zhongnanhai, the area of Beijing known as the heart of the government.

The stroll after the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting was followed by a brief meeting and dinner, and gave rise to expectations that the unusually informal atmosphere would help the two leaders tackle high stakes issues at a formal meeting on Wednesday.

Standing on a traditional Chinese bridge, Xi introduced Obama to the history of Ying Tai, an ancient imperial palace where they later met. Knowing China's modern history is important for understanding Chinese people's current aspirations and path forward, Xi told Obama.

Observers said the economy, security, climate change and efforts to fight terrorism will be high on the agenda, and the meetings are likely to offer a blueprint for a new model of ties between major countries.

Niu Xinchun, a senior expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said both countries are expected to manage differences over maritime and territorial issues in Asia, and deal with the relationship between the looming Trans Pacific Partnership agreement and the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific.