China's Hu praises 30 years of ties with U.S.

By Lucy Hornby

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese President Hu Jintao called for strengthened cooperation with the United States as the two countries marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties on New Year's Day.

Thousands of peace doves were released in Beijing's Tiananmen Square at dawn on Thursday, as the Chinese flag was raised for the first morning of 2009. The United states switched diplomatic recognition from Kuomintang-controlled Taiwan to Communist China on Jan 1, 1979.

Official Sino-U.S. ties "not only brought tremendous welfare to the people of the two countries, but also made great contributions to peace, stability and development in Asia and the world," Hu said in a congratulatory message.

"China is willing to work together with the U.S. in strengthening dialogue and exchanges, enhancing mutual trust and cooperation, further expanding the foundation for bilateral cooperation and common interests, and pushing the Sino-U.S. constructive and cooperative partnership to greater depth in a healthy and stable manner," Hu said.

China's official Xinhua news agency praised "steady progress amid twists and turns," thanks to "concerted efforts by both sides."

In a letter to Hu, U.S. president George Bush praised a "more constructive and cooperative" relationship between the Chinese and U.S. governments during the eight years of his administration, mentioning progress in addressing terrorism, pandemic disease and nuclear weapons proliferation.

The Chinese embassy in Washington issued a statement praising the Strategic Economic Dialogue, whereby the two sides have met regularly during the Bush administration to discuss issues. Incoming president Barack Obama has not indicated whether or in what form those meetings would continue.

At the same time as it established ties with the United States, China shifted its policy toward Taiwan from "liberation" through military invasion to "peaceful reunification."

Hu on Wednesday suggested China would become more flexible on Taiwan's participation in international organizations, and opened the door to increased communication across the straits on military matters.

China also resolved another long-standing issue on Wednesday, when it finished demarcating its land border with Vietnam, 30 years after a short but bloody border war in early 1979.

And Hu exchanged congratulatory messages with reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, to launch the "Year of China-DPRK Friendship."

(Editing by Bill Tarrant)