During his first presidential speech Tuesday, President Barack Obama spoke of how earlier generations of Americans had "faced down fascism and communism."

China's state broadcaster quickly faded out the audio of its live broadcast, the camera cutting back to a flustered studio anchor.

Then, on Thursday, Obama's choice to lead the Treasury Department, Timothy Geithner, wrote that Obama believes China is "manipulating" its currency, which American manufacturers say Beijing does to make its goods cheaper for US consumers and American products more expensive in China.

Geithner's comments could anger Chinese officials, who closely follow US political rhetoric and frequently decry what they consider foreign interference in China's internal affairs. The United States often criticises China about human rights and trade abuses, but Washington and Beijing find themselves increasingly intertwined in a host of crucial economic, military and diplomatic efforts.