US President Donald Trump has hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for a lavish state dinner at the White House, with both leaders describing their relationship as entering a new chapter.

Trump said the two leaders had “never gotten along better”, while Xi called for a constructive relationship based on strategic stability after what he described as sincere and in-depth discussions.

The dinner, attended by business leaders and senior officials, was disrupted by protests outside the White House, with some demonstrators arrested.

The meeting came on the second day of Xi’s three-day visit to Washington.