A new starting point

On Jan 1, 1979 China and the United States established formal diplomatic ties. Thirty-five years later our two countries have never been so interdependent. We are at a new historical point and can steer bilateral ties to an even higher level for the benefit of the two peoples and the peoples of the world, said a People's Daily Overseas Edition opinion piece published on New Year's Day.

In retrospect, the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between our two countries was an epoch-making event not just for China and the US, but also the world at large.

Relations between the two countries have had to weather many vicissitudes over the years. But despite the twists and turns they have grown to be the most important bilateral ties in the world.