Chinese President Hu Jintao Visits Washington

Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China, visited Washington in April 2006, at the invitation of Governor Gregoire. The two met privately to discuss education, trade and health care. Governor Gregoire also hosted a state dinner at the home of Bill and Melinda Gates and accompanied President Hu on tours of Microsoft and Boeing. President Hu made several public appearances, including at Boeing where he spoke to workers. While in the state he purchased 80 Boeing planes and $1.2 billion in Microsoft software. Governor Gregoire and Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz also delivered coffee to President Hu one morning at his Seattle hotel.