Fans mob Schwarzenegger in China

Mr Schwarzenegger has been given a warm reception in China

Chinese fans have mobbed California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on the first day of a visit to Beijing.

Police had to push away the crowds that surrounded Mr Schwarzenegger and his wife after they became separated from their official security guards.

Mr Schwarzenegger aims to boost trade between China and California, one of the world's largest economies.

The warm reception may have helped boost his spirits after voters in California dealt him a blow last week.

Californians rejected all the measures the governor backed in a state-wide referendum.

'A bit startled'

Mr Schwarzenegger started his six-day visit at a promotional event for the Special Olympics, founded by his mother-in-law, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

The actor - who is hugely popular in China - was greeted there by hundreds of flag-waving children.

As he and his wife, Maria Shriver, tried to make their way across a street and into a banquet hall, they were surrounded by photographers and fans. Security guards struggled to maintain order.

Asked if she was startled by the wild greeting they received, Mrs Shriver said: "A little bit", the Los Angeles Times reports.

Later this week, Mr Schwarzenegger is expected to unveil a TV advertisement with Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan attacking piracy.

Piracy is one of the main focuses of his trip.

The governor will being given top-level access to Chinese industrial and political leaders, who will be treating him almost as if he were a head of state, correspondents say.