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.

"For 30 years, thanks to the concerted efforts of generations of Chinese and American leaders and people of vision from all walks of life, we have made historic achievements in growing these relations," the Chinese president said.

"Our two countries have fruitful exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas. Our two peoples are increasing mutual understanding and friendship day by day. The strategic significance and global implications of China-U.S. relations have become all the more evident," Hu said.

"These facts have proven that the establishment and development of normal state-to-state relations between China and the United States serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples and go along with the trend of the times. They have not only delivered enormous benefits to our two peoples, but have also greatly contributed to peace, stability and development of Asia and the world at large," Hu said.

The world is now undergoing complex and profound changes, Hu said, adding under the new circumstances and in the face of new opportunities and challenges, China stands ready to work with the United States to build on past achievements, sum up and draw on experience in the development of China-U.S. relations, follow the principles of the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and remain committed to the development of a constructive and cooperative relationship.

China is willing to further strengthen dialogue and exchanges with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, enhance mutual trust and cooperation, and continuously expand the basis for cooperation and common interests between the two countries so as "to promote sound, stable and in-depth growth of our constructive and cooperative relationship", Hu said.

In his congratulatory message, President Bush said the decision by the two governments to open formal ties 30 years ago "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," Bush said.

"Over the last eight years, the relationship between our two 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," he said.

He hoped 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."

Bush expressed his confidence that working with common purpose and determination, China and the United States can successfully address global challenges to ensure that "our children inherit a truly better and safer world."

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2008)