POSSIBLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Asked to name the major achievements of the US-China joint efforts to build a new model of major-country relationship, Larsen highlighted the cooperation on fighting climate change, as shown in a joint statement announced after a meeting between Xi and US President Barack Obama in Beijing last November.

"I think the announcement cleared some of the global resistance to other countries taking steps what they need to do to combat climate change," Larsen said.

He said he hoped to hear what the next step the two sides will take on fighting climate change at the upcoming Xi-Obama summit.

"Two largest economies in the world, two largest energy users in the world, we both have our issues to address on climate change," Larsen said.

The next major achievement, he added, could be the bilateral investment treaty (BIT), which is under intense negotiations between the two sides.

The BIT is "an important tool" for both countries to enhance trade and economic ties, and will encourage China to continue the policy of opening up and economic reforms, Larsen said.

BEYOND UPS AND DOWNS

Talking about the US-China Working Group, Larsen said part of its job is to continuously educate newer members of Congress about the various aspects of the US-China relationship.

It often brings US and Chinese experts on China, as well as Chinese officials, to the Capitol Hill to talk to members of Congress about China so that they can increase understanding of China.

The bipartisan group also organizes visits to China by members of Congress to learn about the country.

Larsen, who has already visited China for nine times, said that he hoped to continue the exchanges but the challenge is on the US side because "there's concern that visiting China somehow tags a member of Congress being friendly to China."

But he stressed that he believes it is in the US interest to engage with China and seek partnerships with China.

On the fluctuation of the US-China relationship, Larsen said it is normal just like the US stock market.

"It goes up and down all the time, but over time it slowly goes up. And you have to, I think, understand that sometimes the relationship is going to be down and sometimes it's going to be up," Larsen said.

"Not get too focused on the ups and downs and continue pushing forward, so that the relationship always gets enhanced," he added.