A photo exhibition opened in Hong Kong Monday to mark the 30 anniversary of the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations.

The nearly 300 photos on display range in time from as far back as the voyage to China of the American trading ship Empress of China in 1784, to the G-20 Summit in London this year.

Guests attend the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-US diplomatic relations in Hong Kong, south China, July 20, 2009. Nearly 300 photos were displayed in the exhibition. [Zhou Lei/Xinhua]?

The photos reflect important economic, political and cultural events in the growth of the relations between the two countries, portraying a history of building bridges of understanding and cooperation between the two countries through high-level visits as well as the actions of thousands of individuals, companies, student groups and civic organizations.

"China-US relations have made remarkable progress since 1979, with the joint efforts of four generations of Chinese leaders and seven US presidents as well as the people of both countries," said Tung Chee-hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, at the opening ceremony.

Tung Chee-hwa (Front), vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, visits a photo exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-US diplomatic relations in Hong Kong, south China, July 20, 2009. Nearly 300 photos were displayed in the exhibition, opened on July 20. [Zhou Lei/Xinhua]?

He said that the exhibition will provide an opportunity for people to know further about the importance of Sino-US relations so that they will make greater efforts to promote the relations.

Also speaking at the ceremony, US Consul General in Hong Kong and Macao Joseph R. Donovan said that US-China relations had been marked by success and challenges.

"Despite the scale of the task we have faced, each succeeding generation of leaders, diplomats, and individuals has broadened and strengthened the US-China relations," he said, noting that the exhibition offers "snapshots" of their dedication and efforts.

A woman visits a photo exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-US diplomatic relations in Hong Kong, south China, July 20, 2009. Nearly 300 photos were displayed in the exhibition, opened on July 20. [Zhou Lei/Xinhua]?

"Given Hong Kong's role as one of China's gateways fostering the interplay of culture and ideas between our two nations, it is quite fitting that we come together, in Hong Kong, to celebrate thirty years of cooperation between the US and China," he said.

The exhibition is jointly presented by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Chinese People's Association For Friendship with Foreign Countries and China-US Exchange Foundation, in association with the Xinhua News Agency and some other media groups.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2009)