The assessment was heard Sunday in Washington's political circles who are concerned by the deterioration of relations with Beijing following the NATO aggression on Yugoslavia, which China is strongly condemning.

The tension in U.S.-Chinese relations comes at a time when Clinton's administration is already having many problems how to break the impasse created by the attack on Yugoslavia.

The U.S. leadership is obviously worried by the mounting tensions following accusations from Beijing and massive anti-American demonstrations in China. Beijing has clearly said that it refuses to accept the explanation of NATO and the U.S. that the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade was a "mistake."

Clinton gave the same hypocritical explanation when he said on Saturday that it was all a "terrible mistake" and offered his deepest condolences and sympathy to the Chinese people and leadership. Such explanations have not however achieved the desired effect, the "Washington Post" said.

Along with the assessment that "U.S.- Chinese relations are at the lowest level since establishing diplomatic relations at the time of Jimmy Carter", the Washington daily writes about vigorous anti-American protests throughout China. Not only in Beijing, but in numerous other cities all around the country, writes this newspaper, massive demonstrations do not fall off, while protesters in Chengdu town set the American consulate in fire.