China sent “deep condolences” on Monday in response to the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100.
Midway through Carter’s presidency, in January 1979, Washington established diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, severing ties with Tawian’s Nationalist government, which had been a steadfast US ally during the Cold War.
“Former President Carter was the promoter and decision-maker of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
“He has long made important contributions to promoting the development of Sino-US relations and friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries,” Mao told a regular press conference.
“We express our deep condolences.”
Carter normalised American relations with Beijing as the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping initiated the market economic reforms that led to unprecedented economic growth.
In the same year Deng — often credited with China’s “Reform and Opening” policy which led to its economic transformation — met Carter in the United States.
Carter did not visit China during his presidency, but he made trips either side of his time in the White House.
In 1949, the former president made his first trip to China while still a young naval officer.
Shortly after leaving office in 1981, he traveled to China, where he met Deng and then-premier Zhao Ziyang in Beijing in 1987. He left the country again in 1991.
In July 1997, Carter returned, spending a few days in a small village in Shandong province’s eastern region.
Along with his wife Rosalynn and a small delegation, he made a secret visit at the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs’ invitation.
*
Email *
Website
