Jiang, Bush Swap Greetings on Anniversary of Shanghai Communique

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, March 01, 2002

Jiang, Bush Swap Greetings on Anniversary of Shanghai Communique

Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush Thursday exchanged greetings on the 30th anniversary of the release of the 1972 Shanghai Communique, which laid the foundation for the normalization of China-U.S. relations.

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Jiang on Shanghai Communique

"The release of the China-U.S. Shanghai Communique is an epoch- making milestone in the history of China-U.S. relations," Jiang said in his message. "It set forth basic principles for the handling of China-U.S. relations. The U.S. acknowledged that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it."

These principles were reaffirmed and expanded in the ensuing two other joint communiques, one on the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and another on the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, he said.

In the past 30 years China-U.S. relations had seen substantial growth in a wide range of areas, which brought about tangible benefits for the two peoples and played a vital role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and the world as a whole, Jiang noted.

The China-U.S. relationship had indeed taken a zigzag way, yet it can always overcome difficulties and go forward, he stressed, adding such a fact evidenced that the relationship has a solid foundation and the three joint communiques governing its development can stand the test of time.

Thirty years to the day, the international situation has undergone great changes, but the strategic significance of China-U. S. relations remains unchanged, he emphasized.

"China and the U.S. share common responsibilities and wide prospects for maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large, promoting domestic and global economic growth and prosperity, and fighting terrorism."

Jiang also hailed the consensus achieved during his recent meetings with Bush, which he said will exert far-reaching positive impact on bilateral cooperation and exchanges in various fields and the development of China-U.S. constructive relations of cooperation.

Bush on Shanghai Communique

In his message, Bush said the historic document "set a new path for bilateral relations, abandoning confrontation and estrangement for cooperation and dialogue."

"Good U.S.-China ties are as vital now as ever and will only grow in importance as the 21st century unfolds," he noted.

Thirty years ago, he said, few people could have imagined how far the U.S.-China relationship would develop from the foundation laid by President Richard Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai at Shanghai.

"We stand together today in a war against international terrorism. We cooperate as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and in a host of other international organizations... We enjoy extensive cultural and community ties," Bush explained.

Although the U.S. and China have encountered disagreements over the last three decades, he said, both sides have worked hard to establish a mature relationship.

"Although we have differences, we cannot permit them to deter us from pursuing a positive relationship between our two countries."

The U.S. and China are building ties that will serve their interests in the decades ahead, he said, adding through dialogue and hard work, "we can address our differences while exploring paths for cooperation, mutual benefit, and service to the international community."

Shanghai Communique (Issued in Shanghai, February 28, 1972)

President Richard Nixon of the United States of America visited the People's Republic of China at the invitation of Premier Chou En-lai of the People's Republic of China from February 21 to February 28, 1972. Accompanying the President were Mrs. Nixon, U.S. Secretary of State William Rogers, Assistant to the President Dr. Henry Kissinger, and other American officials.

President Nixon met with Chairman Mao Tsetung of the Communist Party of China on February 21. The two leaders had a serious and frank exchange of views on Sino-U.S. relations and world affairs.

During the visit, extensive, earnest and frank discussions were held between President Nixon and Premier Chou En-lai on the normalization of relations between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China, as well as on other matters of interest to both sides. In addition, Secretary of State William Rogers and Foreign Minister Chi Peng-fei held talks in the same spirit. (Full Text)

More on Sino-US relations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC

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