Editor's note: At a seminar sponsored by China Daily last week, leading researchers analyzed current Sino-US relations and offered their opinions on how the future visit to the United States by President Hu Jintao will further strengthen bilateral ties. The following are some of their thoughts:

More than a decade has passed since the end of the Cold War. Sino-US relations have grown so much that their pace, scope and depth have exceeded all expectations.

The relationship grew out of the post-Cold War transitional period into a dynamic one that features both mutual dependence and intensifying competition. It is a relationship that is forever changing, yet has a solid foundation, and is unlikely to suffer a severe deterioration unless any very serious emergency happens.

The two countries share common and overlapping interests as exchanges grow more frequent and mutual influence and the ability to fulfil each other's needs increase in every conceivable area.

One of the results is the lessening tension with which each side conducts the bilateral relationship. The Clinton administration claimed it had established a "strategic partnership" with China, and the Bush administration wants a "constructive, co-operative relationship." Whatever the name or form, it amounts to the acknowledgement of and support for an ever-growing mutual dependence.

China values its relations with the United States and believes sound ties are conducive to regional and world peace and prosperity. When there are difficulties in the relationship, it is mostly because the United States has taken unilateral and negative action, which can have a number of, and sometimes complex, causes.