BEIJING - The 100th birth anniversary of former Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Huang Hua was marked Friday in Beijing.

A veteran diplomat, Huang led negotiations with the United States on the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978, which led to the establishment of diplomatic ties in the following year.

Huang also held several other important posts during his political career, including state councilor and vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the sixth National People's Congress.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), attended the commemoration ceremony.

Huang died of illness in Beijing on Nov 24, 2010 at the age of 98.