Highlights in China-US ties over past four decades

Then Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President Barack Obama pose for a photo with artists and college students who performed at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 17, 2009. [Photo/Xinhua]

-- April 18 - 21, 2006: Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the United States. The two sides agreed that China and the United States had extensive and important common strategic interests and were not only mutual stakeholders, but should also be constructive collaborators. They agreed that a sound bilateral relationship was of strategic significance for safeguarding and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

-- Aug 7 - 11, 2008: US President George W. Bush attended the opening ceremony and associated activities of the Beijing Olympic Games.

-- Nov 15 - 18, 2009: US President Barack Obama paid a formal visit to China, during which he held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao.