The Chinese President Jiang Zemin arrived at London's Heathrow airport on Monday at the beginning of a four-day state visit.
On Tuesday he will be formally welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
During his time in the U-K he is due to tour the new Scottish Parliament as well as attend a state dinner at Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
He will also hold meetings with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair.