It was a gathering of giants - the most powerful woman in China, Vice-Premier Wu Yi, meeting the most powerful woman in the United States, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Their meeting on Wednesday afternoon was of particular interest because Mrs Pelosi is a vociferous critic of Beijing and is now third in line to the US presidency.
Ms Wu has a reputation as a no-nonsense negotiator who commands the respect of foreign leaders. US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has called her a 'force of nature'.
The clash of the female titans turned out to be a low-key event, however. The pair met behind closed doors at Mrs Pelosi's office with other members of Congress, including Tom Lantos, another critic of Beijing.
The only news to emerge from the meeting was a brief, politely worded press release from Mrs Pelosi's office.
'I was pleased to welcome Madam Vice-Premier Wu Yi and the Chinese delegation to the Capitol this afternoon,' Mrs Pelosi said.
