Many China watchers believe that the ties between Beijing and Washington are at their lowest level since Tian’anment. President Xi can nevertheless reassure the American political establishment that he is leading China in the right direction, and not trying to turn it into another version of the former Soviet Union.

Moderating growth rates in the range of 5-7% per annum reflect the higher per capita income level and the changing growth paradigm in China. A modest slowdown is a necessary and healthy adjustment for China to transition to a new trajectory of more efficient and sustainable growth. But instead of greeting such a positive "new normal" with enthusiasm, the naysayers have reacted with dismay as though they would rather prefer the old growth model.

Some scholars say the much-talked-about New Model of Major-Country Relationship is being discarded before it even gets off the drawing board. But at the upcoming Xi-Obama meeting, common interests will stimulate common values, and strengthen the willingness to sail in the same ship.

The Sino-American ‘Grand Consensus’ that has benefited both for more than three decades is threatened by new realities and interests in the wake of China’s rise. Both countries must seek effective cooperation, not only to realize mutual benefits, but to jointly play a leadership role for the maintenance and reform of the current international system.

The China wave will continue to roll across the globe crashing on far away shores as the 21st century unfolds. Individuals, states, and nations can do nothing and be swamped or learn to surf and ride the wave.

Whether the world’s nations can adjust to changes and to work with instead of working against the new arrivals on the world stage is going to be a major test. China has chosen to integrate itself into the international order, and has greatly benefited from being part of it, so China should be seen as a partner, not a competitor.

The partnership of developing countries offers a benign counterweight to Western dominance in the world, and can help shape a “new normal” in international relations.

A changing world requires China to take a clearer, more comprehensive approach to its national security. It strikes a balance between maintaining national security and promoting socioeconomic development, between internal and external security, between the security of territory and people, between traditional security and non-traditional security, and between security of a single country and that of all countries.

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. carries deep symbolism, both in the U.S. political heritage, and classical Greek aesthetics. Vasilis Trigkas proposes that this monument be a site for President Xi and Obama to deliver an alternative narrative for China-U.S. relations.

Enjoying great potential and elasticity, the Chinese economy has enough leeway to cope with various changes and challenges, and its general trend of steady growth -- pushing the global economy towards recovery -- remains unchanged.