Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives in Washington later today in what is being billed as the most important U.S.-China summit since Deng Xiaoping visited Washington 30 years ago.
During their summit on January 19, Hu and U.S. President Barack Obama are likely to discuss the U.S. trade deficit with China, which Washington says is due in part to China's undervalued currency.
On the eve of Hu's visit, a group of U.S. senators said it is vital Congress pass legislation to get tough with China over its currency practices.
In an interview with U.S. newspapers, Hu urged an end to a "zero sum" Cold War relationship with the United States and proposed new cooperation, but resisted U.S. arguments about why China should let its currency strengthen.
Hu suggested cooperation with the United States in areas like new energy sources, clean energy, infrastructure development, aviation, and space.
Hu will also meet lawmakers and business leaders during his four-day visit.
A Chinese business delegation has already traveled to the southern U.S. state of Texas, where they are reported to have signed six deals with undisclosed U.S. companies worth $600 million.
compiled from agency reports