Beijing , China ( CNN ) -- China 's Foreign Ministry has confirmed for the first time that President Hu Jintao will visit the United States early next year . The trip will be `` profound and far-reaching for bilateral ties , '' state-run media reported , saying that preparations have begun for the visit . `` China and the United States have maintained close communications about the visit , which will be very important and will bring far-reaching influence for bilateral relations in new era , '' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said Thursday , according to China Daily . U.S. President Barack Obama referred to Hu 's visit last month , while China 's Premier Wen Jiabao was in New York to address the U.N. General Assembly . The countries `` have to work cooperatively together in order to achieve regional peace and stability , because the world looks to the relationship between China and the United States as a critical ingredient on a whole range of security issues around the world , '' Obama also said at the time . Relations between the two countries have hit rough patches in the past year . Washington has been pressing Beijing to allow its currency to appreciate more freely . Some critics in the United States have accused China of manipulating the yuan , giving its exports an edge in the global marketplace . China also broke off military ties early this year over the U.S. sale of arms to Taiwan , which Beijing regards as a breakaway province . The defense chiefs for China and the United States met last week , signaling a warming of relations between the countries . Chinese Defense Minister General Liang Guanglie and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates talked in Vietnam , while they attended a security forum of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations . Hu 's last state visit to the United States was in April 2006 , during the Bush administration .
Hu Jintao will travel to the United States early next year . The trip will be ` ` profound and far - reaching for bilateral relations , '' state - run media says . The world needs strong ties between Beijing and Washington , President Barack Obama says . Relations between the two countries have hit rough patches in the past decade .