With Facebook still banned in China, founder Mark Zuckerberg was reportedly dealt another blow in his quest to win over the Chinese during a state dinner at the White House on Sept 25.

Zuckerberg's request in Mandarin for China President Xi Jinping - the guest of honour at the dinner - to select an honorary Chinese name for his unborn baby girl was refused, according to US media reports.

A source told news website Page Six that Mr Xi had declined to nominate a name, politely adding that it would be "too much responsibility".

Zuckerberg and his heavily pregnant wife Priscilla Chan had sat at the same dinner table with Mr Xi and US President Barack Obama.

Other heavyweight guests present included Apple's chief executive officer Tim Cook and Microsoft CEO Sayta Nadella.

Mr Xi, who was on his first state visit to the US with wife Peng Liyuan, met business leaders and government officials in various cities such as Seattle, Washington and New York. He also held talks with the US President and addressed the 70th United Nations General Assembly.