In his article Deng's Revolution, published in Newsweek on March 3, 1997, about two weeks after Deng Xiaoping passed away, Schell noted that one of the Chinese leader's great coups was the normalization of diplomatic relations with the United States.

    "His visit created a host of unlikely images: Deng hobnobbing at a cocktail party in the National Gallery with every American capitalist CEO who could wangle an invitation; applauding John Denver and the Harlem Globetrotters at the Kennedy Center, and donning a 10-gallon hat at a Texas rodeo arena," Schell wrote. In his eyes, Deng Xiaoping was "skilled at coalition and consensus building."

    Schell believes that Deng's physical presence in the United States enabled American people to "warm up to China in general."

    "In a very short time, I think in many ways the whole impression of many Americans about China changed considerably. From one of fearfulness, distance, (and) suspicion, to interest, (and) intrigue, willing to consider that we might be able to actually collaborate with China, in certain ways they hadn't imagined before," Schell said.

    "I think the relationship between the United States and China is still the most important one in the world. I think Deng Xiaoping recognized that 30 years ago," said Schell, sitting in his office at the Manhattan headquarters of Asia Society.

    Schell believes that now is another "tipping point moment" in the China-U.S. relationship.

    With the new U.S. government coming into office, the two countries should forge a new deep collaboration in areas where both share common interests, and take on new challenges on the world stage in partnership.

    "It would please Deng Xiaoping to see this happen," Schell smiled.