beset by more profound differences than any other bilateral relationship between major powers in the world today.

[China] must maintain a close relationship with the United States if its modernization efforts are to succeed, ... Indeed, a cooperative partnership with Washington is of primary importance to Beijing.

China's leaders realize the economy is growing very fast, which will have a great impact on world economies, but still see China as a very poor country, so are emphasizing domestic difficulties, obstacles and pitfalls.

Parts of the world can be very hostile to differences, social or artistic.

In terms of comprehensive national prowess, China stands among the secondary tier of world powers, greatly dwarfed by the United States, and behind Britain, Russia, France and Germany.

I know Bo Xilai well. But our relationship was based on our work; we didn't have a personal relationship.