Protesters and supporters greet Xi Jinping in London

Human rights protesters vied with China supporters and tourists to see Chinese president Xi Jinping ride in a carriage to Buckingham Palace on the first day of a state visit that Britain hopes will cement financial ties.

Hailed as the beginning of a “golden era” in Sino-British relations, the visit, which will seal a host of business deals, has been criticised by activists who accuse prime minister David Cameron of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses.

It has also ruffled feathers among some of Britain’s traditional allies, such as the US, where Xi’s visit last month was tainted by friction over cyber-theft and Beijing’s moves in Asian maritime disputes.