On June 7 of 2013 local time, U.S. President Barack Obama hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit at the Annenberg Retreat of the Sunnyland estate in California, the United States. Source: Xinhuanet
　　Beijing, Sept. 22 (Intern reporter Kai Ke/China Youth Online)--Following the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ announcement of President Xi’s state visit on September 22 to the United States, enormous efforts have been made by both sides to prepare for the upcoming “Xi-Obama Meeting”. As the date of visit drew near, more frequent economic and cultural exchanges occurred between China and the United States. Here our reporter combed through interactions between the two sides in the period from September 16 to 21 to find out what the U.S. side has done in preparation for President Xi’s visit.
　　“Hectic” Seattle security and White House Social Secretary
　　The first stop of President Xi’s visit is Seattle. Nicknamed the Emerald City, Seattle has been visited by several Chinese leaders and played an important role in the history of Sino-US exchanges. The city is a hub of high-tech companies like Boeing and Microsoft.
　　According to Huffington Post, local security at Seattle is raised to the highest level ahead of President Xi’s visit. The Seattle Times also revealed that roads in up to 9 blocks would be shut during President Xi’s stay at Seattle when more than 20 bus routes and private cars would have to take a detour and pedestrians would go through strict security processes before entry. Mayor of Seattle Ed Murray said in a statement that citizens were expected to re-plan their outings and closely follow the latest traffic information.
　　The White House Social Secretary Deesha Dyer was also one of the busiest people in these days. ABC News reported: “China leader visits test Obama’s Social Secretary.” The report said that a scented candle is among the half-dozen “must-have” items she keeps in her small office. “It provides a calm, peaceful atmosphere, which is important in this job,” Dyer was quoted saying in the report.
　　This week, Dyer will lead her six-person team to first receive Pope Francis and then Chinese President Xi whose visit will obviously give her and her team much more pressure. Before President Xi, former Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the White House in 2011. According to ABC News, China is the only country whose leader Obama has invited for a repeat state visit to the White House.