Letter of Congratulations from President George W. Bush to
President Hu Jintao on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations

January 1, 2009

President Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao at the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru, November 21.  (White House photo by Chris Greenberg )

His Excellency
Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
Beijing

Dear Mr. President:

Today, we commemorate the opening 30 years ago of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.  This decision by our two governments transcended profound differences in our nations’ histories, cultures, and political systems and bridged a seemingly impossible divide.

The peoples of the United States and China have come to know each other well over the last 30 years.  Together, we have built bridges between our two nations in every conceivable field ‑‑ from commerce and trade to education, science, sports, and the arts.  Over the last 8 years, the relationship between our governments has become more constructive and cooperative, and we have made progress in addressing global challenges such as terrorism, pandemic disease, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.  We have worked as global leaders to promote open markets as the best way to foster economic dynamism and development. 

I was honored to be a guest at the Summer Olympics Games in Beijing.  It is my hope that over the coming 30 years our governments will build on this foundation of goodwill and work constructively together to advance the causes of peace, stability, and development.  I am confident that, working with common purpose and determination, our two nations can successfully address global challenges to ensure that our children inherit a truly better and safer world.  

Sincerely,

George W. Bush