A Xinhua file photo shows then Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his US counterpart Bill Clinton shake hands in a joint press conference in Washington, the United States, on Oct. 29, 1997. (Photo/Xinhua)
-- Oct 26 - Nov 3, 1997: Chinese President Jiang Zemin paid a state visit to the United States. On Oct. 29, the two countries issued a joint statement, establishing the goal, the principles and the directive policy of building a constructive strategic partnership in the 21st century. The leaders of the two countries also agreed to establish a regular consultation mechanism between the defense ministries of the two countries.
