Lampton said the visit demonstrates that despite the tensions, both countries are showing they are equally anxious to talk to each other. "I mean, the fact of the matter is China's our most rapidly growing export market. Also, China has an enormous domestic change underway. Urbanization. They still have to urbanize another 400 million people at least. A population bigger than the U.S. So they don't want any problems with us frankly, and I think all Americans realize we don't need any more problems in the world."

The Obama administration's discussions with Beijing will continue in January when Chinese President Hu Jintao visits the White House.