Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying has accused western media of a lack of professionalism in “making up news based on their own assumptions” about US President Barack Obama’s arrival in Hangzhou for the G20 Summit. Following reports of a so-called “diplomatic snub” as Obama appeared not to have been provided with a staircase and red carpet, Hua said on Monday that “China has attached great importance to bilateral ties with the United States, and we welcome President Obama to attend the G20 Summit.” China has spared no effort in looking after leaders attending the event and satisfying the demands of coming delegations including that of the United States, according the spokesperson.

On Sunday, Obama told reporters that the significance of a row between US and Chinese officials on the airport tarmac upon his arrival should not be overblown. “I wouldn’t overcrank the significance” of tensions at the airport, Obama said on Sunday, “part of it is we also have a much bigger footprint than a lot of other countries. We’ve got a lot of planes, a lot of helicopters, a lot of cars, a lot of guys. You know, if you’re a host country, sometimes it may feel a little bit much.”