Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General Joseph R. Donovan Jr.

Remarks by Joseph R. Donovan, Jr
Consul General of the United States of America in Hong Kong and Macau
Opening Ceremony of 30 Years of China-U.S. Diplomatic Relations
Photo Exhibition
Hong Kong
July 20, 2009

Joseph R. Donovan Jr., U.S. Consul General Hong Kong

(As prepared for delivery)

Acting Commissioner Zhan, Vice Chairman Tung, Chief Secretary Tang, Vice-Chair Madame Li, Ambassador Li, Senior Colonel Zhang, Deputy Commissioner Yang, and Honored Guests:

Thirty years ago, on January 1, 1979, the United States of America and the People's Republic of China established formal diplomatic relations by setting up embassies in Beijing and Washington. That landmark event took place against the backdrop of Chinese leaders bringing their country more fully into the international community through a policy of openness and reform, and American leaders belief that normalization of relations with China was not only in the U.S. interest but would also benefit the world community.

U.S.-China relations have been marked by successes and challenges, and are characterized in many ways by Deng Xiaoping's axiom "qiú tōng cún yì" (求同存異) — "seek common ground while setting aside differences." Despite the scale of the task we have faced, each succeeding generation of leaders, diplomats, and individuals has broadened and strengthened the U.S.-China relationship.

The exhibition we open this evening offers us "snapshots" of their dedication and efforts. It also serves as a visual record not only of the thirty years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China, but also of the hundreds of years of contact between the people of the United States and China. There are close to three hundred photos that reflect important economic, political and cultural events in the growth of our bilateral relations. They portray a history of building bridges of understanding and cooperation between our two countries through high-level visits as well as the actions of thousands of individuals, companies, student groups and civic organizations. The images on display range in time from as far back as the voyage to China of the American trading ship Empress of China in 1784, to the G-20 Summit in London this year. I hope all of you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn and enjoy and perhaps even to reminisce on the events that have brought us to this juncture today.

I would like to thank the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-United States Exchange Foundation for sponsoring and devoting their time and effort to allow us to celebrate this momentous occasion. I would particularly like to thank the Hong Kong SAR Government Leisure & Cultural Services Department for sponsoring the venue. Given Hong Kong's role as one of China's gateways fostering the interplay of culture and ideas between our two nations, it is quite fitting that we come together here, in Hong Kong, to celebrate thirty years of cooperation between the United States and China.

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