But many are sceptical, and suggest that the United States may prove unable to reconcile itself with China's growing economic and political clout.

The meetings between Bush and Hu Jintao have confirmed the opinion of optimistic politicians who believe that Sino-US relations are on a historical high. Bush's visit to China marks a positive full stop for Sino-US relations in 2005. With his actions he has proved that, regardless of whether neo-conservatism follows policies of isolationism or of hegemony, these are already out of date in terms of Sino-US relations.

President Bush has managed to take a pragmatic and balanced approach in his China policy, even though some hawkish US politicians are pushing the "China threat" idea. Bush's short stay was not long enough to produce any breakthrough on specific disagreements, but it offered both sides an opportunity to clarify areas of concern and find more areas for cooperation. We hope the Hu-Bush meeting will herald a new era in relations.

There are currently still many obstacles and difficulties in Sino-US relations, primarily the United States' failure to completely ditch its Cold War thinking and change its strategy of containment towards China. Even if the Bush administration's policy towards China changes in a positive direction, the development of relations is unlikely to be smooth sailing, so China and the US must strengthen dialogue, promote understanding and deepen mutual trust.

The influence of US domestic politics on Sino-US relations is growing, so it is not hard for us to understand why President Bush expressed views on the so-called issues of "democracy, freedom and religion". Sino-US relations are developing day by day, the interests of both countries overlap, and an overall trend of stability and development in relations is also expected. The pragmatism of this meeting shows both sides' maturity.

On the surface, US President Bush's visit to China did not yield any important achievements, but various clues show that Bush has adjusted his policy towards China, and economic interests override ideology. Although this has brought more economic and trade disputes, China can breathe a sigh of relief, because Beijing can make concessions, and get friendlier Sino-US relations in return.

The Bush administration is having difficulty coming to terms with China's increasing economic, political, military and cultural influence around the world. For a nation that has been so prominent globally for a century, this is understandable. Discussion, at all levels, is the best way ahead for both.

The United States will continue to employ all available means - economic, scientific, cultural, diplomatic and especially military - to prevent China from rising too rapidly and challenging US primacy.

In the short term, the main element of uncertainty for Sino-US relations is the intensifying negative influence of US domestic political factors. First signs are emerging that Bush may become a "lame duck president". The possibility that disputes between both countries in the economic realm will be politicised and will drag down the entire relationship is also worrying.