"The release of the China-US Shanghai Communique is an epoch- making milestone in the history of China-US relations," Jiang said in his message. "It set forth basic principles for the handling of China-US relations. The US acknowledged that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it."

These principles were reaffirmed and expanded in the ensuing two other joint communiques, one on the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations and another on the US arms sales to Taiwan, he said.

In the past 30 years China-US relations had seen substantial growth in a wide range of areas, which brought about tangible benefits for the two peoples and played a vital role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and the world as a whole, Jiang noted.

The China-US relationship had indeed taken a zigzag way, yet it can always overcome difficulties and go forward, he stressed, adding such a fact evidenced that the relationship has a solid foundation and the three joint communiques governing its development can stand the test of time.

Thirty years to the day, the international situation has undergone great changes, but the strategic significance of China-US relations remains unchanged, he emphasized.

"China and the US share common responsibilities and wide prospects for maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large, promoting domestic and global economic growth and prosperity, and fighting terrorism."

Jiang also hailed the consensus achieved during his recent meetings with Bush, which he said will exert far-reaching positive impact on bilateral cooperation and exchanges in various fields and the development of China-US constructive relations of cooperation.

In his message, Bush said the historic document "set a new path for bilateral relations, abandoning confrontation and estrangement for cooperation and dialogue."

"Good US-China ties are as vital now as ever and will only grow in importance as the 21st century unfolds," he noted.

Thirty years ago, he said, few people could have imagined how far the US-China relationship would develop from the foundation laid by President Richard Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai at Shanghai.

"We stand together today in a war against international terrorism. We cooperate as permanent members of the UN Security Council and in a host of other international organizations... We enjoy extensive cultural and community ties," Bush explained.

Although the US and China have encountered disagreements over the last three decades, he said, both sides have worked hard to establish a mature relationship.

"Although we have differences, we cannot permit them to deter us from pursuing a positive relationship between our two countries."

The US and China are building ties that will serve their interests in the decades ahead, he said, adding through dialogue and hard work, "we can address our differences while exploring paths for cooperation, mutual benefit, and service to the international community."

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2002)