BEIJING - CHINA'S state-run media expressed nervousness on Wednesday over the future of relations with the United States under President Barack Obama, as it paid tribute to George W. Bush.

The most precious legacy of Mr Bush's eight years in power were the stabilising of Sino-US relations, according to an editorial in the English-language China Daily - a vehicle for the government to air views to a foreign audience.

'Given the popular American eagerness for a break from the Bush years, many wonder, or worry to be precise, whether the new president would ignore the hard-earned progress in bilateral ties,' the editorial said.

'After decades of dramatic ups and downs, the once volatile relations are just beginning to show signs of stabilising.'

The editorial acknowledged that Bush's foreign policy efforts were full of disappointments, and described the 'yet-to-be-justified' war on Iraq was a discredit to the United States and himself.

But it said there were merits, namely his handling of US-China ties.

'Anchoring (the) relationship between the world's single superpower and the largest developing country is no easy job. But the Bush administration managed it,' it said.

The editorial said the twice-yearly Strategic Economic Dialogue, which grouped cabinet-level ministers from the two countries and began during under Mr Bush, was an 'invaluable platform for meaningful high-level communication'. However, Mr Obama has yet to say whether he will continue with it.

'Now, people wonder if its fifth session in Beijing early last month was its last.' The editorial also said that, judging from Mr Obama's comments, he may view China as a 'competitor' that the United States would have to deal with.

'The next question is how,' it said.

'The good news for Mr Obama is that his predecessor, through eight years in office, has laid a decent foundation for one of the world's most influential relationships. That is a fine bequest he should generously embrace.' -- AFP