President Barack Obama says he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will “candidly” address their differences on issues including cyberspying and human rights during Friday’s state visit.

Opening Xi’s state visit to Washington, Obama says nations are more successful when their companies compete on an even playing field and human rights are respected. He says that if the U.S. and China work together, they have an “unmatched ability” to shape the course of this century.

Cybersecurity and human rights are expected to be issues of tensions in the private meetings Obama and Xi will hold after the White House welcoming ceremony.

Obama says Xi’s visit reflects the history of “friendship and cooperation” between their two nations.

(AP)