The joint agreement of the United States and China of February 28, 1972, section 8, states: "There are essential differences between China and the United States in their social systems and foreign policies. However, the two sides agreed that countries, regardless of their social systems, should conduct their relations on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, non-aggression against other states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. International disputes should be settled on this basis, without resorting to the use of threat of force. The United States and the People's Republic of China are prepared to apply these principles to their mutual relations." In the handling of the recent case of the chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, the United States Obama's administration has been stepping on thin paper, endangering the Communiqué of 1978.
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