value

The value of an item to be selected; has a higher precedence than selected:

<input id="combo" ></input>

<script type="text/javascript">

    $(function () {
        $("#combo").shieldComboBox({
            dataSource: {
			    data: countries
		    },
            value: "China",
		    textTemplate: "{name}",
		    valueTemplate: "{code}",
            inputTemplate: "{name}"
       });
    });

</script>