BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday met with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter as the two nations marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

"As old friends of the Chinese people, you played an important role in establishing China-U.S. diplomatic ties and witnessed that historic decision," Hu told the Carter-led U.S. delegation, which came here for commemorative events.

Thanks to the "ping-pong diplomacy" that melted the ice between the nations, then U.S. President Richard Nixon paid a groundbreaking visit to China in 1972.

The two countries formally established diplomatic relations on Jan. 1, 1979.

The U.S. delegation to the Beijing celebrations included key figures in forging relations such as former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, National Security Advisors Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinski and former U.S. ambassadors.

"For a long time, whether in office or retired, you have made unremitting efforts in building the friendship between the two nations and developing the relationship. I highly appreciate those efforts," Hu said.

"For all American citizens, particularly for these leaders, this is a wonderful occasion to celebrate," Carter said.

Carter said earlier this week that he spent time with U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and met with the current President George W. Bush and former Presidents George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton.

"I explained the purpose of this visit to President-elect Obama. He wants me to extend to you his personal greetings and his commitment to continue the mutual respect and partnership we've enjoyed over the past 30 years."

Carter said: "All of us, even including Deng Xiaoping, would have been amazed 30 years ago at the great changes that took place not only within your own country, but in the relationship between our two nations."

China, U.S. start high-profile events to mark 30th annivesary of diplomatic ties

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (2nd R, front) and his wife Rosalynn Carte visit the photo exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties between China and the United States in Beijing Jan. 12, 2009. The exhibition kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

 

BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States on Monday kicked off a series of activities to mark their three decades' work of building one of the world's most crucial bilateral relationships.

"Like a scroll of vivid historic scenes, these pictures showcased significant progresses in the 30-year China-U.S relations and deeply inspired us," Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a congratulatory message set to a photo exhibition marking the relations. Full story

U.S. envoys to China optimistic about bilateral ties in Obama era

Clark Randt (R), U.S. ambassador to China, speaks during a reception marking the 30th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations in Beijing Jan. 11, 2009. During the reception held by the U.S. embassy in China on Sunday, four U.S. ambassadors eyed a continued China policy under the Obama administration.(Xinhua/Li Mingfang) Photo Gallery>>>

BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Four U.S. ambassadors in Beijing on Sunday eyed a continued China policy under the Obama administration.

"I am optimistic that U.S-China ties will continue to improve and remain steady in the years ahead. In fact, they are getting better," former U.S. ambassador to China James Sasser told reporters on the sidelines of a reception marking the 30th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Full story

U.S. official says relations with China "have matured" over 30 years

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte said Thursday that the relationship between the United States and China has matured.

"The two countries have interactions and exchanges of human activity on a scale and depth that could not have been imagined when diplomatic ties were established in 1979," he said. Full story

Negroponte: U.S.-China relations to flourish under new administration

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said Thursday he was confident of a bright U.S.-China future under the new American administration.

"I look forward to watching the U.S-China relationship develop in the coming years, and feel confident that it will continue to flourish under the new American administration," Negroponte told an audience of about 100 people at a breakfast meeting Thursday morning. Full story

Chinese, U.S. presidents exchange congratulatory messages on anniversary of relations

BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush exchanged congratulatory messages Thursday to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their two countries.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States 30 years ago "is a milestone that marked a new chapter in the history of our relations and had a significant and profound impact on the international situation and the world's landscape," Hu said in his congratulatory message. Full story

Source: Xinhua