Each side accused the other of basing its preference on anti-China or pro-China sentiment rather than an objective discussion of community goals.

Bush administration officials have said for months that Chinese leaders have been underestimating the surge of anti-China sentiment in Congress and among some influential interest groups.

China has tried to conclude the issue as quickly as possible because they were concerned they would be surrounded by anti-China sentiments.

The Bush administration welcomed China's move toward a more flexible currency, but the cautious shift may not be enough to cool the anti-China sentiments boiling in Congress.

The bid landed with the impact of an unexploded missile in Washington, where anti-China sentiment has been running high.

As anti-China sentiment rises in Congress, officials say, no agreement can survive without enthusiastic corporate support and lobbying.

Mindful of anti-China sentiment in Congress, Mr. Clinton, in his speech today, offered an unusually critical analysis of a country whose leader is on his doorstep.

Lobbyists here say they worry that the detention of the crew will make it hard to hold back a tide of anti-China sentiment.

Just this week, President Clinton began a campaign to renew China's most-favored-nation status despite growing anti-China sentiment.

Some Administration officials said that anti-China sentiment on Capitol Hill was so intense that they thought they could not get any deal through.