The Chinese public are by and large enthusiastic about President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States and expect high-level contacts to increase mutual understanding.

"This is a big event and directly affects the course of Sino-US relations. I've been paying attention because Hu's visit will take our message to the American people and bring back theirs, therefore enhancing understanding at both government and grassroots levels," said 26-year-old Xie Meng, who works for the China Development Research Foundation.

Xie's view is shared by 64 percent of 1,000 respondents in a dozen major cities, according to the results of a recent survey.

Some 83 percent of those polled by the Social Survey Institute of China said Hu's US trip has come "at the right time."

Trade is on the top of many people's minds.

"The president is leading a huge commercial delegation and the use of economic means, such as procurement of airplanes, will help deal with the trade surplus. This a manifestation of the mature diplomacy of a big power," said Liu Hongyu, senior partner at Beijing-based Jincheng & Tongda Law Firm.

Sun Lizhou, a 25-year-old who is studying for a master's degree in diplomacy at Peking University, has his own views on how Washington can reduce its trade deficit.

"The US should ease controls on the export of high-tech products to China.

Americans can make money out of it, China can develop its technology, and trade will be more balanced."

Xie Meng added that "President Hu's visit to the Microsoft headquarters is a sign of the Chinese Government's growing emphasis on intellectual property rights."

Ma Enling, a professor at Peking Union Hospital, added: "I hope the US will yield more on trade."

The Taiwan question is another major concern. When asked whether the US would stick to its one-China policy, 58 percent said yes, 28 percent were uncertain and 14 percent said no.

"I want to know whether the US would stand by its policy and even give a stern warning to (Taiwan leader) Chen Shui-bian," said Ma.

Yan Zhitu, a 62-year-old folk artist in Guangzhou, said: "I hope President Hu will promote Sino-US friendship and accelerate the pace of China's reunification. He should urge the US not to meddle in Taiwan affairs."

Asked whether the US would heed China, 69 percent believe the US is increasingly paying attention to China, and 27 percent said there is not much change.

They explained that as China grows stronger, the United States would inevitably watch China more closely; hoping China would develop but at the same time fearing it as a "threat."

(China Daily April 20, 2006)