The Central People's Government Council of the People's Republic of China, having taken office today in the capital and unanimously made the relevant decisions, proclaims the formation of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China and acceptance of the Common Program of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as the administrative policies of the Government…. At the same time, the Central People's Government Council proclaims to the governments of all other countries that this Government is the sole legal government representing all the people of the People's Republic of China. This Government is prepared to establish diplomatic relations with any foreign government which is willing to observe the principles of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

(From People's Daily, October 2, 1949)