The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United States of America, noting with satisfaction that better understanding between the peoples of both countries has been brought about through contacts and exchanges in culture, arts, humanities, journalism, sports, and other fields; for the purpose of promoting wider contacts between the two peoples in the interest of consolidating and developing friendly relations between the two countries, and enhancing mutual understanding through encouraging and promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries in the spirit of the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America, and on the basis of the principles of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit; Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The two governments shall encourage a deeper knowledge of their respective histories, cultures, literatures, arts, languages, sports and other areas including attention to general knowledge in addition to more specialized study. Through cooperative programs as well as exchanges, the two governments shall promote and assist their respective efforts to this end.

Article 2

The two governments shall encourage and facilitate further development of contacts and exchanges between the peoples of the two countries, including but not limited to interchanges between representatives of professional groups, cultural organizations, news and public information organizations, radio and television organizations and academic institutions and persons on the basis of shared interests.

Article 3

The two governments shall encourage, through mutually agreed programs and exchanges, enhanced understanding between the two peoples. Programs and activities to further this objective may include, but not be limited to, the publication and distribution of books, magazines, and other printed materials; production and dissemination of films, recordings, and other audio-visual materials, as well as exhibitions relating to history, culture, arts and contemporary life; presentations of musical, dramatic and dance performances; and sports. In order to make such presentations and materials more readily understood in the other country, each government shall encourage the development of activities such as translation programs.

Article 4

The two governments shall encourage the broadest participation and support by non-governmental as well as governmental institutions for programs and activities covered by this Agreement.

Article 5

On behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Executive Agency for this Agreement shall be the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China; on behalf of the Government of the United States of America, the Executive Agency for this Agreement shall be the International Communication Agency.

The two Executive Agencies shall communicate with each other to review and assist in the implementation of this Agreement and may meet periodically as they may agree. They may reach understanding with each other regarding specific programs for agreed periods of time, which will guide the implementation of this Agreement.

The two Executive Agencies shall encourage and facilitate, as appropriate, the development of contacts and cooperation between government agencies, institutions of higher learning, research institutes and other entities of the two countries and the conclusion of agreements between such bodies for mutually beneficial activities.

Article 6

This Agreement shall come into force on the date of signature for a period of five (5) years. It shall be automatically renewed for another five (5) years unless one of the Parties gives written notice of termination to the other at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of the period, and shall be renewable accordingly thereafter.

DONE in Washington on January 31st, 1979. In duplicate in Chinese and English languages, both texts being equally authentic.

For the Government of the People's Republic of China

For the Government of the United States of America