In 2004, US - China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota marked its 30th year of programs, delegation hosting, tours, and community awareness between the peoples of China and the United States.

Happy Anniversary, USCPFA!  

        THE SHANGHAI COMMUNIQUE OPENED                

THE DOORS 31 YEARS AGO  

32 years ago, February 17 through 27, 1972, history was made in Beijing as the presidents of two world powers met to put aside grievances and craft  agreements which would promote "peace, stability and prosperity." 

With this first visit by a United States president,  Richard Nixon made diplomatic gestures which would open the doors to trade, travel, and exchanges of all kinds.  

Soon after these historic talks, Minnesota friends of China began motions to create an organization which would act as a catalyst to bring about friendship between these countries.  The organization in the forefront of this movement was US - China Peoples Friendship Association.  The Minnesota Chapter was soon founded and a flurry of activity began.

In celebration of this historic event and the ensuing 30 years of diplomacy necessary to bring dreams to fruition, a group of 13 USCPFA members were invited to visit Beijing and Shanghai in April of 2002.  

Three Minnesotans traveled with the group, USCPFA National President, Barbara Harrison, USCPFA Treasurer, Charles K. Petersen, and Minnesota Board Member Linda Mealey-Lohmann.  

You can view photos and read about their experiences on the USCPFA National website at http://www.uscpfa.org/communique.html 

The original document of the Communique is available on the web at http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cold.war/episodes/15/documents/us.china/

Comments in the Chinese press are available online at http://www.china.org.cn/english/china-us/24874.htm and 

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200202/21/eng20020221_90779.shtml