Hu's visit to Washington postponed

President Hu Jintao's official visit to Washington was postponed due to the extreme damage wreaked in the southern United States by Hurricane Katrina, and the two heads of state now plan to meet at the 60th anniversary of the United Nations in mid-September. The delay probably favors both camps, which are facing tough discussions in light of increasingly tense trade relations. China has donated US$5 million to the hurricane relief efforts.