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The United States should view China's strategic intentions in an objective way and ensure that disputes between the two countries do not harm ties, Vice-President Xi Jinping said on Monday, ahead of a key visit to the US. Recognizing differences in history and culture, Xi said that it was normal for the two countries to encounter disputes and friction. "We hope that the US can view China's strategic intentions and development path in a sensible and objective way, and be committed to developing a cooperative partnership," Xi said. At a meeting commemorating 40 years since US president Richard Nixon made his historic visit to China in 1972, Xi said that "No matter what changes might take place in the international situation, our commitment to developing the Sino-US partnership should never waver for temporary development.” That visit changed the world's political landscape. Addressing the gathering of academics, officials and senior diplomats who had been involved in the 1972 visit, Xi confirmed he will soon visit the US at the invitation of Vice-President Joe Biden. He didn't give details on the date of his trip, but it is widely expected to take place in February. Xi's 20-minute speech touched on every aspect of China-US ties, from bilateral to multilateral cooperation, from politics to trade. Trade between the two countries exceeded $400 billion in 2011 compared with $2.5 billion in the 1980s. | 
