China's Xi ends state visit to Britain with trip to 'northern powerhouse' Manchester

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, right, drinks beer with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at a pub in Princess Risborough, near Chequers, England, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. The two leaders met for talks and dinner at the prime minister’s official country residence Thursday, during a state visit hailed as a landmark by both China and Britain. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, pool) (The Associated Press)

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In this handout photo issued by Manchester City Football Club, soccer player Sergio Aguero takes a selfie with Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a visit on the fourth day of his state visit, in Manchester, England, Friday Oct. 23, 2015. Chinese President Xi Jinping has been greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic and well-organized well-wishers in the northwest England city of Manchester. Crowds waving Chinese flags have greeted Xi throughout his four-day state visit to Britain, outnumbering pro-Tibet and human rights protesters concerned about the British government's lavish welcome for the Chinese leader. (Photo/Sergio Aguero, Manchester City Fooball Club via AP) (The Associated Press)

CORRECTS THE DAY TO FRIDAY China's President Xi Jinping, centre, waves as he leaves after lunch with Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron at Manchester Town Hall in Manchester, England, Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 on the final day of his state visit. in the background is his wife Peng Liyuan. (Phil Noble/Pool Photo via AP) (The Associated Press)

LONDON – Chinese President Xi Jinping has been greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic and well-organized well-wishers in the northwest England city of Manchester.

Crowds waving Chinese flags have greeted Xi throughout his four-day state visit to Britain, outnumbering pro-Tibet and human rights protesters concerned about the British government's lavish welcome for the Chinese leader.

The two countries signed more than 30 billion pounds ($46 billion) in trade agreements during the trip, as Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain would be China's "partner of choice" in the West.

Before flying home Friday Xi was having lunch with businesspeople and civic leaders and visiting and a soccer academy in Manchester.

Britain is seeking Chinese investment in Manchester, which it hopes will become an economic and technological "northern powerhouse" to offset London's dominance.