Beijing – China on Monday expressed its condolences on the passing of Jimmy Carter, saying that the former American president was the “instigator” of the establishment of relations between the two countries more than 40 years ago.
Carter died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday at the age of 100. During his 1977-1981 administration, the US government established formal relations with China, building on the foundation laid by former President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. in the early 1970s.
“China expresses its condolences on the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Former President Carter was the one who promoted the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, and played an important role in the development of relations between China and the United States as well as trade and cooperation between the two countries,” said Mao. a regular news conference.
The Carter administration’s (NYSE: ) decision in 1979 to accept Beijing’s position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China, and to sever official ties with Taiwan, helped chart a new course for ties.
“His historic contribution to the development of China-US relations will always be remembered by the Chinese people,” wrote Xie Feng, China’s ambassador to the United States in the X post.
In the same year, 1979, the US government, while adhering to its One-China policy, also passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which establishes the legal basis for providing the island with means of self-defense.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has never renounced the use of force to control the island.
US arms sales to Taiwan permitted by the Taiwan Relations Act remain a contentious issue in Sino-US relations to this day, with Beijing constantly urging Washington to adhere to its One-China policy, and impose sanctions on US military suppliers and corporate executives.
Other agreements signed during Carter’s tenure include the US-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA) in 1979, a scientific cooperation agreement that some critics say has disproportionately benefited Washington’s biggest rival for decades.
The agreement was renewed this month, weeks before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. The State Department said the new agreement is much narrower than before, and does not cover sensitive or emerging technologies.
