By Hong Soon-do, Beijing correspondent, AsiaToday - China is facing tough times in many ways today. Its economic situation is severe enough that there are growing concerns about China's hard landing. So it's definitely the time for a dramatic change. This is why Chinese President Xi Jinping looks so determined to show his outstanding leadership through his US visit on Sept. 22.

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, during a summit talk on Nov. 12, 2014./ Source from Xinhua News Agency

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According to Western diplomatic sources in Beijing on Sunday, Xi is known to be doing careful work to make his summit talk with U.S. President Barack Obama a success. His moves could be predicted. Most of all, Xi will definitely stress the concept of a new type of major power relationship at the summit talk, and try to get Obama's agreement, if possible.

Xi Jinping will also push for a joint communiqué. If the joint communique is successfully issued, Xi could restore his authority that has been wounded by domestic problems. So this is why he revealed a plan to purchase a Boeing aircraft as a part of appeasement.

However, current atmosphere seems not favorable to him. It means, it may be hard to Xi Jinping to achieve desired outcome on his visit to the United States. Most of all, it's hard for the U.S. to suddenly change it behavior after looking critically at China's Sept. 3 event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as well as the World Anti-Fascist War.

Besides, Pope Francis' visit to the United States almost at the same time is having a negative effect on Xi Jinping. Pope's popularity could exceed Xi's first state visit. His fears could become a reality. While U.S. President Obama will greet the Pope upon his arrival at the airport, Xi Jinping will be welcomed by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

In addition, U.S. has been maintaining a critical stance on China's various issues, including human rights problems. This could work as a big burden on Xi. This is why diplomatic sources in Beijing keep saying, "China could give everything to the U.S. while not taking what really matters at all."