U.S.-China relations

Text of the U.S.-China joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations: 

The United States of America and the People's Republic of China have agreed to recognize each other and to establish diplomatic relations as of Jan. 1, 1979.

The United States of America recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China. Within this context, the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan.

The United States of America and the People's Republich of China reaffirm the principles agreed on by the two sides in the Shanghai Communique and emphasize that once again:

• Both wish to reduce the danger of international military conflict.

• Neither should seek hegemony in the Asia-Pacific or in any other region of the world and each is opposed to efforts by any other country or group of countries to establish such hegemony.

• Neither is prepared to negotiate on hehalf of any third party or to enter into agreements or understandings with the other directed at other states.

• The government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese positon that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China.

• Both believe that normalization of Sino-American relations is not only in the interest of the Chinese and American peoples but also contributes to the cause of peace in Asia and the World.

The United States of America and the People's Republic of China will exchange ambassadors and establish embassies on March 1, 1979.