Summit to focus on 'big picture'of China-US ties(3)

Also on the agenda will be discussions on how to avoid the zero-sum game usually seen in history between an existing power and an emerging one and construct a new type of great power relationship between the two giants.

"It is a positive development that top leaders in both countries have recognized the dangers inherent in escalating strategic rivalry between China and the United States and have separately endorsed the concept of developing a new type of great power relationship ... that can contain, and hopefully reduce, this rivalry," Roy said.

Moreover, Xi and Obama are expected to discuss "their respective visions for the Asia-Pacific region and the international system, and the overall strategic relationship between the US and China," said Glaser.

"If the two leaders can agree on these larger issues, then it will create a better basis for cooperation on specific issues," such as cyber-security challenges and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, she added.

However, given the complication of US-China relations, the experts cautioned against being overly optimistic about the results of the upcoming summit.

"It is a mistake to believe that every summit meeting between major powers such as China and the United States must always produce meaningful results that are visible to outside observers," Roy said.

"Nevertheless, such opportunities should not be wasted, especially in areas that could make management of the bilateral relationship more difficult," he added.