Xi arrives in Chennai

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Friday afternoon as part of his maiden two-day visit to the state to participate in the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mamallapuram.

The Air China plane carrying Xi and others landed here at about 2 p.m. and Xi set foot on Tamil Nadu soil at 2.10 p.m.

Accorded a red carpet welcome, Xi was received by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and others.

Xi was also accorded a grand traditional musical welcome.

Xi will reach the ITC Grand Chola Hotel by road and rest for a couple of hours.

He will leave for Mamallapuram, about 60 km from here, at about 4 p.m. from his hotel.IANS