On climate change, Schell said it is "absolutely critical" among the new fronts of bilateral cooperation. "If (China and the US) don't cooperate, there will be no solution to climate change," Schell stressed.

China's prominence on the world stage has risen, not just because it is more influential economically, but also as Europe is disorganized and American status and influence have suffered some real setbacks, he said.

The United States and China are the most important countries in the world, said Schell, adding: "That put tremendous burdens and responsibilities on the two governments and two presidents to find ways to work together."

"With America substantially weaker economically and I would say also in world influence in general, it has created a new balance between the United States and China. If the leaders can exploit it well and smartly, it could establish a new kind of China-US relationship over next four or eight years."

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2009)