BEIJING, July 21 -- A photo exhibition opened Monday in Hong Kong to mark the 30 anniversary of the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations.

    Nearly 300 photos on display range in time from 1785 to 2009,reflecting important economic, political and cultural events in the relations between the two countries.

    Tung Chee-hwa,vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said at the opening ceremony that the Joint Communique signed 30 years ago signals the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China-U.S. relations have made remarkable progress from then on, with the joint efforts of four generations of Chinese leaders and seven U.S.presidents as well as the people of both countries.

    Zhai Yongxin, commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said first of all, the aims of the exhibition are to commemorate and express thanks to leaders and people of both countries who contributed to the development of China-U.S.relations. In addition, the exhibition will provide an opportunity for Hong Kong People to know further about the importance of Sino-U.S. relations so that they will make greater efforts to promote the relations.

    Also speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong Joseph R. Donovan said that given Hong Kong's role as one of China's gateways fostering the interplay of culture and ideas between China and America, it is quite fitting that the exhibition is held here to celebrate thirty years of cooperation between the U.S. and China.

    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-U.S. Exchange Foundation, in association with the Xinhua News Agency and some other media groups.

    The exhibition is free for the public from July 21 to 30.

    Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong. (XHTV)