French President Jacques Chirac has arrived in Chengdu, capital city of southwest Sichuan Province, kicking off a five-day state visit to China as guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Vice-President Zeng Qinghong greets President Chirac with local people at the airport in Chengdu.

Before coming to Asia, Chirac has expressed his belief that China's development provides opportunities for economic growth and job creation in France. He also told Chinese media that he would like to visit late leader Deng Xiaoping's hometown.

Chirac will attend the opening ceremony of the French Culture Year in Beijing on Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2004)