Document that changed the world turns 45

A document issued 45 years ago will continue to play an important role in guiding China-US relations and communications, and even help reconcile conflicts between the world's two biggest economic powers, according to those attending a ceremony on Tuesday in California.

Some 30 figures from political, research and business circles in China and the United States gathered to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the signing and inception of the China-US Joint Communique, known as the Shanghai Communique, at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California.

The important diplomatic document was issued on Feb 28, 1972, during Nixon's historic visit to China.