Kissinger Institute Deputy Director, Douglas G. Spelman says the visit is very important, although it is unlikely to resolve outstanding problems in the U.S.-China relationship.
In a statement released to the media upon his arrival, Xi said China and the US have more extensive common interests and shoulder more important common responsibilities as the international situation experiences complex and profound changes.
"Whether we can seize opportunities, tackle challenges and build a cooperative partnership at the new historical starting point matters to the future of our two countries and the world as a whole," he said.
Xi, 58, said he is looking forward to exploring these issues with his American hosts as well as engaging in extensive dialogues and exchanges with Americans.
However, for Americans who are eager to get to know Xi, they already have a sense of him before he started his five-day trip.
In a written interview with The Washington Post, published online Sunday night, Xi discussed everything from China-US business ties, regional and global challenges to people-to-people exchange and his love of the NBA.
"There are no reasons for our two countries not to engage in friendly cooperation," Xi said.
Emphasizing the mutually beneficial and highly interdependent features of the bilateral business and economic ties, Xi said such economic relations would not enjoy sustained, rapid growth if they were not based on mutual benefit or if they failed to deliver great benefits to the US.
The Kissinger Institute works to ensure that China policy serves American long-term interests and is founded in understanding of historical and cultural factors in bilateral relations and in accurate assessment of the aspirations of China’s government and people. Read more
