In the past eight months, I've witnessed three historic moments that may well remain in my memory for life: The ruling Communist Party of China elected its new leader in November, the State leadership transfer in March, and the meeting between Chinese and US leaders on Friday.

About 40 reporters were able to enter the 80-hectare Sunnylands estate in California to cover the summit on Friday, half from China and the other half from the US. And I was fortunate to be among them.

This is the first time President Xi Jinping has held face-to-face, talks with his US counterpart Barack Obama, after presidency reshuffles in both countries.

The two-day meeting has grabbed world attention because it will set the tone for relations between the world's biggest developing country and biggest developed country, which are also the world's top two economies.

Instead of an official 21-gun salute state visit or White House welcoming ceremony, the informal meeting creates a comfortable atmosphere where the leaders can discuss high-level issues more freely.

With these expectations and a personal wish to see the two leaders in person, I arrived at the sprawling Sunnylands estate in the Mojave desert at around 3 pm, together with the Chinese media group.

Security was tight. All media equipment went through careful scanning and all bags were opened for checks. Temperatures reached 43 C, and everything exposed to the sunshine became very hot, including me.

As there was still plenty of time before the two leaders came out for a photo, reporters were taken to a room to wait for the event. On the way, I got the opportunity to have a quick look over the estate.

It is an open field, with mountains in the background, green grass and small trees near the road. You can also see barren land in places, as it's in a desert.

There are a few scattered one- or two-floor buildings, with flowers and water ponds around them. The estate is informally referred to as "Camp David West", where US presidents, heads of state and US Supreme Court justices often convene.

As the meeting time drew closer, reporters were brought to the media zone where they could take photos of the leaders shaking hands, which signaled the official start of the two-day communication.

At about 5:15 pm, President Xi and President Obama stepped out of the room, both in dark suits but without ties. They appeared relaxed and friendly.

After a handshake, both leaders returned to the room and started their first meeting. Also sat at the long table were several senior officials and interpreters from both sides.

The conversation lasted for a little less than three hours - longer than scheduled - and during which both leaders exchanged views on a number of issues, according to the briefing given to reporters after the meeting.

A main topic of the meeting is how China and the US will build a new model of relations between powers, and the answer offered by the presidents was: Cooperation instead of confrontation.

While the leaders faced the media, they both appeared confident. At that moment, I felt the atmosphere - a meeting between the leaders of two great nations.

And once again I felt lucky to witness such an historic moment. Being able to witness and record history is why reporters like this job.

Contact the writer at zhuzhe@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/09/2013 page2)