Analysts said Hu's milestone visit would help promote the steady growth of Sino-US relations as direct dialogue between the two leaders is conducive to increasing mutual understanding and removing differences.

Ding Yuanhong, a retired diplomat who formerly served as China's ambassador to the United Nations, said the trade imbalance and the renminbi exchange rate have created difficulties in Sino-US relations.

"The summit meeting will help increase understanding of these problems so that they can be resolved gradually," Ding said.

" I believe China will also urge the United States to clarify its stance on the Taiwan question," Ding said.

He said Beijing should make Washington understand that Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian is a trouble-maker and his pro-"independence" activities must be checked to maintain cross-Straits stability.