On the afternoon of January 12, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met at the Great Hall of the People with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former National Security Advisors Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinski, who are here for the activities to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Hu made positive comments on the fruitful results and substantial progress made in the Sino-U.S. relations over the past three decades. He also highly appreciated the efforts made by the two governments and people of vision from all walks of life in building the friendship between the two peoples and promoting the improvement and development of bilateral ties.

Hu said Sino-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for the two countries. Hu said it was in the fundamental interests of both nations and their peoples to develop constructive cooperative relations. The two countries should step up exchanges, enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation and promote the durable and stable growth of bilateral ties, Hu said. "As the biggest developing nation and the biggest developed nation, China and the United States shoulder the common responsibilities of human peace and development," Hu said. "The significance and impact of China-U.S ties go beyond a bilateral relationship." Hu called for the two nations to review and deal with bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and jointly respond to global challenges to push for all-round, in-depth development of Sino-U.S. relations. "It is natural for the two nations to be divided on some issues as the two practice different social systems, inherit different histories and cultures and are in different phases of development." Hu proposed that the two sides properly address differences and problems based on mutual respect and equality and take into consideration each other's core interests so as to promote long-term, sound growth of bilateral ties.

Carter said he felt honored to mark the 30th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations together with the Chinese side. “For the two governments and peoples, this is a wonderful occasion to celebrate," Carter said. Over the past thirty years, both China and U.S.-China relations have scored spectacular great development. The exchanges and cooperation between the two countries remain close and the U.S. people deeply feel the friendly feelings of the Chinese people. The U.S.-China relationship has become the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Carter called on both sides to join hands in coping with a range of common challenges facing the international community and promote world peace and development.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Chen Haosu and President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) Yang Wenchang attended the meeting.