Sino-US solar power deal generates optimism

China and the US will work together on $12.38-billion of agreements and contracts - including the largest solar power project between the two countries - deals that illuminate the healthy state of bilateral trade ties.

The 41 projects, many centered on investment as well as economic and technological cooperation, were signed in the presence of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo while he attended the one-day US-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Phoenix on Tuesday.

Wu is the most senior Chinese official to visit the US since President Barack Obama took office.