China State Dinner PHOTOS: White House Releases Behind-The-Scenes Pictures

PHOTOS: Behind The Scenes Of Wednesday's State Dinner
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The next best thing to the state dinner actually happening is when the White House releases behind-the-scenes photos of the state dinner, offering a much more intimate perspective than any other outlet. See our favorites pictures below.

After Dinner(01 of13)
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From left, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, former President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Jill Biden (in Reem Acra), and Vice President Joe Biden listen to performers during the State Dinner reception in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
(02 of13)
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Dee Dee Bridgewater performs during the State Dinner reception in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
(03 of13)
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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch as President Hu Jintao of China greets daughters Sasha and Malia before the start of the State Dinner reception in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. Marian Robinson is pictured at right.(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
(04 of13)
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President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao of China greet State Dinner guests seated in the Blue Room (including Jackie Chan, on the right) of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
(05 of13)
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President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao of China toast during the State Dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
(06 of13)
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White House and Residence staff look into the State Dining Room during the State Dinner, Jan. 19, 2011. During the dinner, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and Pastry Chef Bill Yossis to thank them for preparing the meal. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
(07 of13)
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Guests attend the State Dinner honoring President Hu Jintao of China in State Dining Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
(08 of13)
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President Barack Obama, President Hu Jintao of China, and First Lady Michelle Obama descend the Grand Staircase of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
(09 of13)
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President Barack Obama, President Hu Jintao of China, and First Lady Michelle Obama descend the Grand Staircase of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
(10 of13)
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President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao of China talk with guests during a reception in the Yellow Oval Room in the Residence of the White House before the start of the State Dinner, Jan. 19, 2011. It appears that Jill Biden (in a Reem Acra gown) has her back to the camera. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
(11 of13)
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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome President Hu Jintao of China at the North Portico of the White House for the State Dinner, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
(12 of13)
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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome President Hu Jintao of China at the North Portico of the White House for the State Dinner, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
(13 of13)
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Residence staff prepare for the State Dinner in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

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