Canada and China jointly issued two domestic rate stamps to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The stamps were unveiled in the Canadian capital Ottawa at a special ceremony at the Museum of Civilization Thursday afternoon.

Canada's stamp features a cougar, while China's is of an Amur leopard.

Both animals were created in contrasting styles steeped in the artistic traditions of each country, while the adornments and graphic elements that surround the stamps were kept quiet and gentle, bringing focus to the stamps themselves.

"These stamps foster the long-standing partnership between Canada and China," said Ma Junsheng, deputy postmaster general of the State Post Bureau of China.

"Both cougar and Amur leopard are in danger of extinction, and by the issue of these stamps, we also hope to let more and more people be aware how important it is to protect the nature and environment," said Ma.

Canada-China partnerships in trade, development, education and culture have grown enormously since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. China is Canada's second-largest trading partner and there are more than one million Canadians who are of Chinese descent.

In 1990, Canada and China issued a joint stamp to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Norman Bethune, the Canadian surgeon who helped China fight the Japanese intruders.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2005)