Chinese leader Hu Jintao will be in a three-day visit to the USA, during which he will be feted with a state banquet at the White House and other pomp usually reserved for close friends and allies, all intended to improve the relations between the world's two largest powers.

The visit comes at the time when Washington begins to perceive China as a stabilizing economic and strategic force that benefits both countries. It also comes in the face of mistrust between the US and China over each country's intentions.

The trust between the USA and China was significantly disturbed during 2010 by an array of issues including the USA claims that China's currency is undervalued, traditional complaints over Chinese human rights record and criticism of China's military buildup.

China has been angered by the USA weapons sales to Taiwan, and its support of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, as well as the recent support of jailed Chinese dissident, 2010 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.

Washington increasingly needs China’s help in solving regional problems regarding North Korea, as well as global troubles ranging from piracy off Africa to Iran's nuclear proliferation and reinvigorating the world economy. On the other hand, Beijing requires American capital and state-of-the-art equipment.