In the last stage of his visit to the west coast of the United States, the Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has urged closer bilateral ties.Mr Xi is expected to become the Chinese president next year, and told officials Americans would benefit from their trade relationship with China.

US Vice President Joe Biden said Washington's relationship with Beijing was its most important.

"There is one thing we absolutely believe wholeheartedly - that the future of the 21st century is going to be written in large part by how well the United States of America and China meet their mutual responsibilities and are able to cooperate in a friendly way."

During the visit, China also agreed to allow more U-S movies into the country.

A statement issued by the White House said the agreement would "make it easier than ever before for US studios and independent filmmakers to reach the fast-growing Chinese audience, supporting thousands of American jobs in and around the film industry."

"At the same time, Chinese audiences will have access to more of the finest films made anywhere in the world," said US Vice-President Joel Biden, who spent the day in Los Angeles with Mr Xi, before the Chinese leader's departure.

Mr Xi's five-day trip to the United States began in Washington and Iowa before a final 36 hours in California.v

The deal allows more American exports to China of 3D, IMAX, and similar enhanced format movies "on favorable commercial terms," said the White House.

Hollywood's Motion Picture Association believes the agreement will result in a 50 per cent rise in the number of U-S movies allowed into China.