Analysts see Rice's visit to China as a positive sign, showing China and the US are willing to continue to forge a stable relationship. They say that both countries have more common ground than disputes, and healthy China-US ties should give the rest of the world more confidence and momentum.

"China and the US have the obligation to maintain good relationship. Given that the two countries still have differences and disputes over certain issues, we need to manage the differences and disputes through constructive measures. The US is undergoing a critical period of time -- the presidential election. We understand that the US wants a stable and progressing China-US relationship in the meantime," said Ruan Zongze, vice president of China Ins't of International Studies.

"We can't forget that the two countries have wide cooperation despite of the existing disputes. The G20 Hangzhou Summit will be a platform and opportunity to show the world that China and the US have very strong desire to enhance cooperation. This is critical to revitalize world economy and also to help the successful organization of this year's G20 Summit."