The Chinese are upset about NATO airstrikes in the Balkans, and Zhu told a Canadian newspaper last week that violations of Yugoslavia's national sovereignty could lead to a world war. Mutual need, low expectations Though both U.S. and Chinese officials are lowering expectations for Zhu's trip, the two countries still need each other's cooperation on numerous issues. Washington wants China's help in defusing tensions in Korea, curbing nuclear proliferation in south Asia and containing the Asian financial crisis. China wants into the WTO, which sets standards for international business. U.S. approval would be an important step for Beijing, but progress is reportedly slow.
WTO progress is just one piece of the overall relationship.
Republican and Democratic policymakers traditionally have concluded U.S. interests were best served by maintaining ties with the communist giant, but some in Washington consider that a mistake. Commercial ties and trying to sort of make all the profit that we can make has trumped all concern for human rights. Nevertheless, Chinese observers say Zhu's presence alone is important. China wants to be a partner, and China wants to let the Americans know what has happened in China. CNN's Chris Black, Bill Dorman and Rebecca MacKinnon and the Associated Press contributed to this report.