China, U.S. start high-profile events to mark 30th annivesary of diplomatic ties

The year-long photo exhibition will be displayed in some Chinese cities, before touring the United States, with a finale to be staged in Atlanta-based Cater Center in December 2009.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (C) attends  the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition marking the 30th  anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties between China and  the United States in Beijing Jan. 12, 2009. The exhibition  kicked off here on Monday.(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

On Monday afternoon, a seminar was held to review the past three decades of bilateral ties and look to future relations.

The two-day seminar gathered senior Chinese diplomats like Qian Qichen, Tang Jiaxuan, Li Zhaoxing and all living Chinese ambassadors to Washington D.C. as well as scholars and entrepreneurs.

In addition to Carter and Kissinger, former U.S. President's National Security Advisors Brent Snowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinskias well as some U.S. ambassadors in Beijing attended the seminar.

"As a Chinese saying goes 'when you drink the water, think of those who dug the well.' I want to pay high tribute to leaders of the older generations and all those visionaries working for the diplomatic relations between the two countries," State Councilor Dai Bingguo said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled to meet with Carter later Monday.

A reception will be held in the Great Hall of the People Monday evening, with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping hosting guests from the two countries.

Editor:Zhang Ning