BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Tuesday evening after paying state visits to Vietnam and Laos.

During his stay in Vietnam, Xi also attended the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang.

It was Xi's first overseas trip after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in October.

Xi's entourage included Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee;Liu He, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs; and State Councilor Yang Jiechi, also member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

When Xi left Vientiane for Beijing, Lao Vice President Phankham Viphanvanh, Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune and Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone saw him off at the airport, together with flag-waving and cheering teenagers.