Xi, Cameron get to know each other better at country estate, local pub

President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister David Cameron visit a pub in Princess Risborough, near Chequers on Thursday. [WU ZHIYI/CHINA DAILY]

President Xi Jinping was served with Britain's famous fish and chips in a traditional English pub with British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday, as their meeting took an informal turn that observers say let them build their relationship out of the limelight.

After a state banquet at Buckingham Palace and another banquet at London's Guildhall, Xi experienced something less formal at Chequers, a tranquil country estate that has hosted foreign dignitaries since becoming the official retreat for prime ministers in 1921.

Receiving a warm welcome at Chequers, Xi visited a pub with Cameron after they held talks with their aides at the country residence. No 10 Downing Street said the two leaders'discussions would focus onglobal affairs.

The visit to Chequers, the neo-Gothic-style estate in Buckinghamshire, was planned as a counterpoint to the official welcome and formal meeting.

In the evening, Xi and first lady Peng Liyuan were to sit down to a full dinner with Cameron and his wife, Samantha.

"Chequers is an important venue for British diplomacy. As the prime minister's country retreat — like Camp David for the US president — Chequers provides opportunities for individuals to communicate away from the glare of the press. Again, at least nominally, they can relax a little,"said Simon Rofe, director of the global diplomacy MA program at University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies.