Could Barack Obama, the US presidents first state visit to China that is full of diplomacy, a sign of mutual respect, and cautious optimism between an established superpower, and an emerging giant.

They are two of the world's biggest economies and the world's two biggest polluters.

Is China hoping to grow to match the United States' economic and military might? And can Washington succeed in gaining its biggest creditor, as an ally.

Inside Story discusses with guests Adam Quinn, a lecturer of International Studies at the University of Birmingham and specialises in US foreign policy, Banning Garrett, the director of the Asia Program, Atlantic Council US, and Andrew Leung, a China affairs analyst.

This edition of Inside Story aired from Wednesday, November 18, 2009.