However, some issues failed to be resolved during the negotiations. The United States hoped that China would only use peaceful means to solve the Taiwan question, while China stressed that the means of solving this question was China's internal affair which brooked no outside interference. In the end, each side issued a statement of its own on this question. The outstanding issues in the process of negotiations demonstrated that despite the establishment of diplomatic relations as agreed upon by both sides, the United States did not totally abandon its intention of interfering in China's internal affairs.
For the purpose of enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries and promoting the development of their relations, Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping paid an official good-will visit to the United States at the invitation of President Carter from 29 January to 4 February 1979. This was the first visit by a Chinese leader to the United States after the founding of the People's Republic of China and was warmly welcome by the U.S. Government and people.
During his visit, Vice Premier Deng exchanged views with President Carter on the international situation. When touching on the question of Taiwan, Vice Premier Deng said that China was willing to solve the Taiwan question in a peaceful way but will not undertake not to use force because that will be a disservice to a peaceful settlement of the question. The Joint Press Communiqué issued by both sides said that both sides are of the view that differences in social systems of the two countries should not impede the enhancement of mutual friendly relations and mutual cooperation.
During the visit, the two sides signed an agreement on cooperation in science and technology and a cultural agreement. They also signed agreements on cooperation in education, commerce and space, and on the mutual establishment of consular relations and the opening of Consulates-General in each other's country.
Editor: Zhang Pengfei | Source: mfa.gov.cn