Biden: Xi 'straight forward,' 'honest'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden Friday praised his Chinese counterpart during a Los Angeles visit as a man who is "absolutely straight forward" and "open."

Biden and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping visited the International Studies Learning Center, which was established in 2004 and focuses on foreign language and culture for grades 6 through 12.

Biden said he and Xi have forged a close personal relationship despite differences on a number of issues, including trade and foreign policy.

"He has been absolutely straight forward. He is open," Biden said of Xi. "He is, like, me, trying to understand the other man's position. You can't ask for much more than that."

Biden said Xi is curious about U.S. politics and attitudes and during a dinner earlier this week sought information about various congressmen and their political motivation.

"He wants to know the details," Biden said. "I get a clear sense he's trying as best he can to understand what our interests are and what our concerns are."

Before entering the school's classrooms, Biden, Xi and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa watched several students wearing yellow and pink silk costumes perform a dragon dance and play drums in the courtyard.