Thornton says one of Xi Jinping's missions will be to convince US policy makers that China's economy is something the United States and the world simply can't live without.

　　"I think it's very important that President Xi make very clear to both American leaders, and American business people, and the American public, that China has been on a course of reform and opening for almost 40 years, and that trend is simply going to continue. And China's economy has been growing and becoming of higher quality, and that trend is simply going to continue. And China is becoming more interdependent in inter-related to the world economy, and the world's become more inter-related to the Chinese economy, and that trend is simply going to continue."

　　Another area observers will be watching for during Xi Jinping's time will be areas of mutual concern for China and the United States, such as geo-politics.

　　习主席访美将增进互信

　　Chinese foreign policy observer Ma Xiaolin suggests areas of concern, particularly in the Middle East, need to be addressed.

　　"There is no major contradiction between the two. The US is a world power, while China is a regional power with rising international influence. China is expected to shoulder greater global responsibilities, while the US also hopes to see a stronger and more prosperous China, with which it can share some of the burden."

　　But at the same time, Fan Jishe with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says he expects the US side to be more direct when it comes to dealing with China.

　　"The US is worried about uncertainties in China's future development as well as China's possible challenge to its leading role in the western Pacific and the current world order. So it presses ahead with its Return to Asia strategy, the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and relations with its allies. They should have a look at the firm foundation of the Sino-US cooperation. They really worry too much."

　　Among the issues to be covered as part of Xi Jinping's time in the US will be talk about a bilateral investment treaty, the South China Sea and cyber security.