- The Shanghai Communique (signed on February 27, 1972)

In the communique, China and the United States acknowledge essential differences in their social systems and foreign policies. However, the two sides agreed that countries, regardless of their social systems, should conduct their relations on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, non-aggression against other states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. International disputes should be settled on this basis, without resorting to the use or threat of force. China and the United States are prepared to apply these principles to their mutual relations.

- Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China (released on December 15, 1978)

According to the communique, China and the United States have agreed to recognize each other and to establish diplomatic relations as of January 1, 1979, and exchange ambassadors and establish embassies on March 1, 1979.

Besides, 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.

- Sino-U.S. Joint Communique (issued on August 17, 1982)

In this communique, the U.S. Government attaches great importance to its relations with China, and reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in China's internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." The U.S. Government understands and appreciates the Chinese policy of striving for a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue as indicated in China's Message to Compatriots in Taiwan issued on January 1, 1979, and the Nine-Point Proposal put forward by China on September 30, 1981.