November 13: President Barack Obama embarks on a major trip to Asia, where he’ll confront issues like Afghanistan, nuclear disarmament, climate change and the economy. Here, Obama is pictured arriving at Haneda Airport in Tokyo for a two-day visit.
Newscom/Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai
November 13: Obama meets with newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (center right)
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November 13: Obama and the prime minister hold a joint press conference. Obama uses the opportunity to commend the 50-year-old alliance between the United States and Japan, and to urge cooperation between the two nations.
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November 13: The diplomatic mission adjourns to the prime minister’s official residence, where it appears a round of sake is on the house.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
November 14: At Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Obama gives a speech on US-Pacific policies and calls himself America’s first “Pacific President.”
Newscom/Kyodo
Newscom/Kyodo
November 14: Obama leaves the stage at Suntory Hall.
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November 14: Obama bows to the Japanese Emperor and Empress before having lunch with them in the Imperial Residence. The bow ignited controversy among some right-wingers.
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November 15: A U.S.-Russia meeting in Singapore. Here, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev shake hands.
Newscom/ITAR-TASS / Mikhail Klimentyev
November 15: Obama and Medvedev meet. After the meeting, both sides agree on their frustration with Iran’s lack of engagement with the nuclear issue.
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November 15: Obama’s schedule is full of meetings — this one the 17th meeting of the APEC Economic Leaders, at the Istana — the Singaporean President’s residence.
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November 15: Obama meets with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Chinese President Hu Jintao after an official dinner for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit in Singapore.
Newscom/UPI/Alex Volgin
November 15: Obama arrives in Shanghai to begin his first state visit to China.
Newscom/PTS Photo
November 15: A girl presents a bouquet to Obama after he arrives at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Newscom/PTS Photo
November 16: Obama meets with Yu Zhengsheng, secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, at the Xijiao State Guest House in Shanghai.
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November 16: Obama with Zhengsheng.
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November 16: Obama delivers a speech at an event with Chinese youth at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Obama answers questions about internet access, among other things.
Newscom/PTS Photo
November 16: “I am a big believer in technology and I’m a big believer in openness when it comes to the flow of information. I think that the more freely information flows, the stronger the society becomes, because then citizens of countries around the world can hold their own governments accountable. They can begin to think for themselves. That generates new ideas. It encourages creativity,” Obama said.
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November 16: Obama greets students after the event.
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November 16: Obama arrives in Beijing.
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November 16: Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Obama upon his arrival in Beijing.
Newscom/PTS Photo
