Why is China so determined to become world's superpower?
The Chinese president, Hu Jintao, has arrived in Washington for a state visit described by some as the most significant for 30 years.
Mr Hu was greeted by the US Vice-President Joe Biden. He will dine with President Obama and on Wednesday they will discuss the contentious issue of trade links.
White House officials describe the relationship as "co-operative but competitive".
The BBC's Damian Grammaticas, explains China's determination to overtake America as the world's superpower.
18 Jan 2011
- From the section Asia-Pacific