Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 100 on the final Sunday of 2024. Media outlets extensively covered his life and achievements. People around the world paid their respects to this centenarian, who had retired from politics over 40 years ago but remained committed to advancing world peace and human rights.

Carter was a promoter and decision-maker in the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations and had long made important contributions to advancing the development of China-U.S. relations as well as the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote in his message of condolence. On Chinese social media, a video of Carter reading the China-U.S. Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations 46 years ago has been shared millions of times. Many lament the loss of such a wise and compassionate politician, particularly at a time when China-U.S. relations remain at a relatively low point.

On January 1, 1979, the United States and the People's Republic of China officially established diplomatic relations. Carter later mentioned in several public speeches that this was one of the most important decisions of his life—a turning point for both the two countries and world history.

Following President Richard Nixon's visit to Beijing in February 1972, China-U.S. relations began progressing toward normalization. Nixon had intended to establish formal diplomatic ties with China during his second term, but he was forced to resign in August 1974 due to the Watergate scandal. His successor, President Gerald Ford, did not achieve this goal, leaving it to Carter, who assumed office in 1977.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States was fraught with challenges, with the Taiwan question posing a huge challenge. China's position was unequivocal: Normalizing relations required the United States to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan, withdraw military forces and facilities and terminate alliance agreements with the Chiang Kai-shek regime. Amid Cold War tensions and facing strategic disadvantages against the Soviet Union, Carter agreed to China's conditions, reaffirming the agreements and principles of the 1972 Shanghai Communiqué in the China-U.S. Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. In response to domestic pressure, Carter also signed the Taiwan Relations Act in April 1979. This domestic law effectively preserved the U.S. official and military ties with Taiwan, allowing continued arms sales and interference in China's internal affairs. These actions violated the China-U.S. Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and remain a major obstacle to the development of China-U.S. relations.

Given the historical context at the time, taking such a major step undoubtedly required great courage on both sides. Carter's policy toward China was centered on seeing China as a country in transition. He believed that only through active engagement could the two countries foster mutual understanding and address global challenges based on mutual benefit.

Less than a month after the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States in 1979, Deng Xiaoping, one of China's most prominent policymakers, visited the United States. At a reception, Carter emphasized that differences in history and political-economic systems should not obstruct the progress of bilateral relations. "Let us recognize those differences, not as a source of divisiveness but of mutual benefit, as long as we have no illusions about our differences, our diversity can contribute to the vitality of our new relationship." His words remain relevant today.

"Seeking common ground while reserving differences" has been a diplomatic principle not only for Carter but also for generations of Chinese and U.S. leaders. Acknowledging the differences while pursuing common goals may well be the key to the sound development of China-U.S. relations.

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

Comments to liangxiao@cicgamericas.com