On January 13, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with a high-profile U.S. delegation on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The U.S. delegation to the Beijing celebrations included key figures in forging relations such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski.

"The establishment of China-U.S. relations 30 years ago ushered in a new era. The leaders and people of the two nations who made important contributions to this milestone will go down in history," Wen said. In the meeting, Wen said China-U.S. relations had produced fruitful results over the past three decades. "The most important is that we agreed on the general direction of building constructive cooperation," Wen said. He noted that the two nations established a series of effective dialogue and consultation mechanisms and developed cooperation in politics, economy, culture and other fields, which cemented the basis of public opinions and strengthened confidence and courage to overcome difficulties. "These are our shared treasures and the source of strength for further cooperation," Wen said.

Wen said the current international political and economic situations were complicated and volatile. "China-U.S. relations stay at a crucial time connecting the past and the future, facing tremendous opportunities and challenges," Wen said. Wen proposed the two nations take a strategic and long-term perspective, and not waver in developing constructive cooperative relations. "Particularly in responding to the international financial and economic difficulties, the two nations should step up mutual trust and cooperation, jointly tackle difficulties, take the relations to a new high and make new contributions for the world's harmonious and sustainable development."

In response, Carter said the normalization of U.S.-China relations was a priority during his presidency, as well as one of the most important events in his political career. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties three decades ago, U.S.-China relations have scored enormous development and the two countries have become important cooperative partners. The U.S. attaches great importance to China’s significant role in the world. He proposed the two countries understand and respect each other, step up dialogues to deal with global challenges and problems and enhance the constructive cooperation. Carter also pledged to continuously commit himself to promoting U.S.-China exchanges and cooperation.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Chen Haosu and President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) Yang Wenchang attended the meeting.