Frustrations and Hopes: An American perspective on United States-China relations

China is important to Americans but the United States is critical to China. Engagement has enhanced mutual understanding, but the asymmetry of the relationship often causes the Chinese to view American policy with suspicion and Americans to be insensitive to Chinese concerns. The Chinese seldom acknowledge that their own actions and statements shape American perceptions and policies; Americans often overestimate their ability to change China in specific ways while underestimating the cumulative benefits to the US of sustained engagement.