In his speech, the President has presented the close relationship between China and Boeing as emblematic of the good that can come from better trade relations.

"I would say that Boeing's cooperation with China is a vivid example of the mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win outcome that China and the United States have achieved from trading with each other."

Hu Jintao says the majority of commercial jetliners operating today in China are from Boeing, which has been doing business with China since 1972.

Several days ago, China and Boeing announced a tentative deal for 80 of Boeing's 737 jets.

That comes on top of a firm order by Chinese airlines last year for 70 737s and 60 787s, the new Boeing jet that will enter service in 2008.

Prior to Hu Jintao's speech, Boeing commercial airplanes chief executive Alan Mulally, also addressed the audience, saying Boeing's partnership with China goes beyond jetliners.

"It is about people working together for the good of all of us..."

Boeing was founded in 1916 and is one of the largest civilian airliner manufacturers in the world.