from hostility to engagement, 1960-1998.
October 1, 1949
Standing atop Tiananmen gate, Mao Zedong declares the establishment of the People's Republic of China. (Gordon H. Chang, Friends and Enemies: The United States, China, and the Soviet Union, 1948-1972 (Stanford, Ca.: Stanford University Press, 1990, p. 41).
February 14, 1950
Premier Zhou Enlai and Soviet Foreign Minister A.Y. Vyshinsky sign the Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Association (Chang, Friends and Enemies, p. 64).
March 15, 1950
Secretary of State Dean Acheson denounces the Sino-Soviet Friendship Treaty as "an evil omen of imperialistic domination." (Chang, Friends and Enemies, p. 67).
June 25, 1950
North Korea invades South Korea (Chang, Friends and Enemies, p. 75).
June 27, 1950
President Truman announces that the U.S. Seventh Fleet would "neutralize" the Taiwan Straits and the ultimate disposition of Taiwan would have to await international agreement. (Chang, Friends and Enemies, p. 76).
October 1950
As U.S./U.N. forces approach the Chinese border, Chinese "volunteers" cross the Yalu and engage the U.S./U.N. forces in combat. (Chang, Friends and Enemies, pp. 75-77).
November 1953
Director of Central Intelligence Allen Dulles tells a National Security Council meeting that rather than being a Soviet satellite, China is a "voluntary and genuine ally" of the USSR. (Chang, Friends and Enemies, p. 92).
September 3, 1954
The People's Liberation Army fires about 6,000 artillery shells at the island of Jinmen (Quemoy), controlled by the Republic of China. (Chang, Friends and Enemies, p. 120).
January 28, 1955
A congressional resolution, known as the Formosa Resolution, gives President Eisenhower a virtual blank check in defending Taiwan and the islands of Jinmen and Mazu (Matzu). (Chang, Friends and Enemies, p. 124).
August 23-October 6, 1958
The PLA shells the islands of Jinmen and Mazu, with 50,000 shells landing on the first day. The U.S. Navy deploys six aircraft carriers, 96 nuclear-capable aircraft, three heavy cruisers, forty destroyers, a submarine division, and other forces. (Chang, Friends and Enemies, pp. 18486).
December 13, 1960
A National Intelligence Estimate states that the U.S. intelligence community believes "that the most probable date at which the Chinese Communists could detonate a first nuclear device is sometime in 1963, though it might be as late as 1964, or as early as 1962, depending on the actual degree of Soviet assistance." (NIE 13-2-60, The Chinese Communist Atomic Energy Program, December 13, 1960, p. 2).
September 13, 1961
A State Department memorandum examines the desirability of offering to assist India in development of an atomic bomb, as a means of preventing the PRC from reaping a propaganda advantage from being the first Asian nation to develop atomic weapons. Secretary of State Dean Rusk's handwritten comments on the document read "not convinced we should depart from our stated policy that we are opposed to the further extension of national nuclear weapons capability." (George C. McGhee to the Secretary [of State], "Anticipatory Action Pending Chinese Communist Demonstration of a Nuclear Capability," September 13, 1961).
November 30, 1961
A Special National Intelligence Estimate concludes that "Communist China almost certainly does not intend to attempt the open military conquest of any other Far Eastern country during the period of this estimate. Communist China's leaders believe that they can eventually achieve their objectives in the area at far less cost and risk through the techniques of Communist political warfare." (SNIE 13-3-61, Chinese Communist Capabilities and Intentions in the Far East, November 30, 1961, p. 1).
September 24, 1962
A State Department memo announces the approval by Secretary of State Dean Rusk of a propaganda campaign (with both overt and covert elements) to influence world opinion with respect to Chinese testing of an atomic bomb. The memo specifies two general objectives of the campaign: (1) creating "a positive image of U.S. and Free World strength in all fields . . ." and (2) countering an image of Chinese Communist power which might induce awe or unreasoned fear. . ." (Memorandum from George C. McGhee to Mr. Manning, Subject: Program to Influence World Opinion with Respect to a Chicom Nuclear Detonation," September 24, 1962).
February 18, 1963
A memorandum from the assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs to the Joint Chiefs of Staff requests that the JCS provide their views on the steps which might be taken in order to persuade or compel the PRC to accept the terms of a nuclear test ban or arms control agreement. (Curtis E. LeMay, JCSM 343-63, Subject: Study of Chinese Communist Vulnerability, April 29, 1963 in Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961-1963, Volume Vll (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996), pp. 689-90).
April 29, 1963
A JCS memo, in response to the February 18 memo from the assistant secretary of defense (ISA), notes that joint U.S./USSR action would make the possible measures to persuade or compel PRC acceptance of a nuclear test ban or arms control agreement more effective and that "it is unrealistic to use overt military force to obtain Chicom acceptance of any agreement." (Curtis E. LeMay, JCSM 343-63, Subject: Study of Chinese Communist Vulnerability, April 29, 1963 in Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961-1963, Volume VII (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996), pp. 689-90).
July 24, 1963
A Special National Intelligence Estimate states that the first Chinese nuclear detonation is most likely to occur in late 1964 or early 1965. However, it notes that, given limitations in U.S. knowledge of the Chinese nuclear program, "We . . . cannot exclude the possibility that the Chinese could achieve a first detonation at any time." (SNIE 13-2-63, Communist China's Advanced Weapons Program, July 24, 1963, p. 2).
November 18, 1963
The Joint Chiefs of Staff consider the feasibility of "a coordinated program of covert activities" to "prevent or delay the Chinese from succeeding in their nuclear development program." (Maxwell D. Taylor, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Memorandum for: General LeMay, et. al., Subject: Chinese Nuclear Development, November 18, 1963).
April 17, 1964
A memorandum from State Department policy planning chief Walter Rostow to President Lyndon Johnson reports on the results of a study on the implications of a PRC nuclear capability. The study concludes that pre-emptive military action against Chinese nuclear facilities would be undesirable "except as a part of military action against the mainland in response to ChiCom aggression" but that "prospects for covert action should receive continued examination." The study also reports on other means for countering the impact of a PRC nuclear capability. (W.W. Rostow, Memorandum for the President, Subject: Implications of a Chinese Communist Nuclear Capability, April 17, 1964, with attachment: The Implications of a Chinese Communist Nuclear Capability).
August 26, 1964
A Special National Intelligence Estimate notes that while "the possibility of . . . a [nuclear] detonation before the end of this year cannot be ruled out - the test may occur during this period. On balance, however, we believe that it will not occur until sometime after the end of 1964." (SNIE 13-4-64, The Chances of an Imminent Communist Chinese Nuclear Explosion, August 26, 1964, p. 6).
September 15, 1964
Two meetings are held to discuss the question of Chinese nuclear weapons in light of an imminent Chinese nuclear test. A lunch at the State Department to discuss the subject is attended by national security adviser McGeorge Bundy, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, and DCI John McCone. A second meeting at the White House involves President Kennedy, Bundy, McNamara, and Rusk. Kennedy approves the two conclusions that had been reached earlier-that there would be no "unprovoked unilateral U.S. military action against Chinese nuclear installations at this time" and that the secretary of state should explore with Soviet Ambassador Anatolii Dobrynin, "as soon as possible," the possibility of joint action. Such joint action might include a warning to the Chinese against any further tests, a possible agreement to give up underground testing and hold the Chinese accountable if they test in any way, and even preventive military action. (McGeorge Bundy, "Memorandum for the Record," September 15, 1964).
September 29, 1964
A press release attributed to Secretary of State Dean Rusk states that "for some time it has been known that the Chinese Communists were approaching the point where they might be able to detonate a first nuclear device. Such an explosion might occur in the near future." It also states "detonation of a first device does not mean a stockpile of nuclear weapons and the presence of modern delivery systems. The United States has fully anticipated the possibility of Peiping's entry into the nuclear weapons field and has taken it into full account in determining our military posture and our own nuclear weapons program. ("U.S. Comments on Peiping's Nuclear Capacity," Statement by Secretary Rusk, Department of State Bulletin, October 19, 1964, pp. 542-43).
October 16, 1964
The PRC detonates an atomic device mounted on a 102-meter tower at its Lop Nur testing site. The device has a yield of 22-kt. Four days later Atomic Energy Commission chairman Glenn Seaborg tells a Cabinet meeting that AEC analysis of the debris from the resulting radioactive cloud confirmed that the bomb had employed U-235 and not plutonium and that "the Chinese bomb had been more sophisticated in design than our own Hiroshima U-235 weapon." (Robert S. Norris, Andrew S. Burrows, and Richard W. Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume V: British, French, and Chinese Nuclear Weapons (Boulder, Co: Westview, 1994), p. 333; Glenn T Seaborg with Benjamin S. Loeb, Stemming the Tide: Arms Control in the Johnson Years (Lexington, Ma.: Lexington Books, 1986), p. 116).
January 21, 1965
The Committee on Nuclear Proliferation, appointed by President Johnson, and chaired by Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell L. Gilpatric, issues its report to the President. With respect to China, it notes "it will prove difficult over the long term either to halt nuclear proliferation or to obtain worldwide peace and stability until China has joined the society of nations and is willing to participate responsibly in arms control measures." It recommends that "the Government undertake a major high-level reexamination or our policies toward China . . ." (Committee on Nuclear Proliferation, A Report to the President by the Committee on Nuclear Proliferation, The White House, January 21, 1965, p. 18).
October 27, 1966
The PRC conducts its first nuclear test in which the warhead is delivered by a ballistic missile. A DF-2A/CSS-1 medium-range ballistic missile is fired 554 miles from the Shuangchengzi missile test center to Lop Nur. (DIA, Soviet and People's Republic of China Nuclear Weapons Employment Policy and Strategy, p. 11-21; Foreign Technology Division, "Chicom Ballistic Missile Development, July 17, 1970, p. 24; Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume V, p. 362).
June 17, 1967
The PRC conducts an its first successful thermonuclear test with a bomb dropped from an H-6 aircraft. The yield is about 3 megatons. (Norris, Burrows, and Fieldhouse, Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume V, p. 334).
October 1967
Richard Nixon's article on "Asia after Vietnam" appears in Foreign Affairs. Nixon writes that "Any American policy toward Asia must come urgently to grips with the reality of China." (Richard H. Solomon, U.S.-PRC Political Negotiations, 1967-1984: An Annotated Chronology (Santa Monica, Ca.: RAND, December 1985), p. 7).
November 26, 1968
The PRC Foreign Ministry proposes resumption of Warsaw talks on February 20, 1969. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 7).
February 5, 1969
National security adviser Henry Kissinger signs National Security Study Memorandum 14, "U.S. China Policy," directing "a study be prepared on U.S. Policy Towards China, on U.S. objectives and interests involved and the broad lines of appropriate U.S. policies."
February 18, 1969
The PRC cancels Warsaw talks scheduled for February 20, in reaction to "anti-China" atmosphere resulting from defection of a PRC diplomat in Amsterdam. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 7).
June 26, 1969
President Nixon authorizes, via National Security Decision Memorandum 17, "Relaxation of Economic Controls Against China," removal of restraints upon foreign subsidiaries of U.S. firms on transactions with China that are regarded as non-strategic. The NSDM also directs that Foreign Asset Control Regulations should be modified to permit Americans traveling or residing abroad to purchase Chinese goods in limited quantities for non-commercial import into the United States.
July 3, 1969
National Security Study Memorandum 63, "U.S. Policy on Current Sino-Soviet Differences," announces that the president "has directed a study of the policy choices confronting the United States as a result of the intensifying Sino-Soviet rivalry and the current Soviet efforts to isolate Communist China."
July 14, 1969
National Security Study Memorandum 69, "U.S. Nuclear Policy in Asia," directs investigation of "possible situations in which a U.S. strategic nuclear capability against China would be useful." It also calls for the study of "possible target systems in China and U.S. capability to attack those systems."
July 21, 1969
The U.S. government announces relaxation of passport restrictions on travel to the PRC, and allows purchase of Chinese goods up to $100 in value. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 7).
August 1, 1969
In Lahore, Pakistan Nixon asks President Yahya Khan to inform Zhou Enlai that Nixon is interested in normalizing relations with the PRC. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 8).
August 2, 1969
Nixon, in Bucharest, expresses interest to Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu in Romania playing a mediating role between the U.S. and PRC. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 8).
October 10, 1969
National security adviser Henry Kissinger informs Pakistani Information Minister Sher Ali that as a gesture of U.S. desire to improve relations with the PRC, regular 7th Fleet destroyer patrols of the Taiwan Strait will end. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 8; Henry Kissinger, White House Years (Boston: Little, Brown, 1979), p. 186).
November 5, 1969
Pakistani President Yahya Khan tells the PRC ambassador to Pakistan that the U.S. is ending destroyer patrols of the Taiwan Strait as an expression of its interest in normalizing relations. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 8).
December 3, 1969
U.S. Ambassador to Poland Walter Stoessel tells the PRC charge in Warsaw that the U.S. wishes to renew the Warsaw talks. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 9; Kissinger, White House Years, p. 188).
December 5, 1969
Walter Stoessel and the PRC charge, Lei Yang, agree on January 20, 1970 as the date for the resumption of talks in Warsaw. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 9).
December 19, 1969
The U.S. government announces further easing of trade restrictions with the PRC. Kissinger tells the Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. that his government can inform the PRC that the U.S. desires serious communication with the PRC in a more secure channel than the Warsaw talks. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 9; Kissinger, White House Years, p. 191).
February 18, 1970
In the Communist China section of his foreign policy report to Congress, President Nixon states that the U.S. is "attempting to define a new relationship for the future," and that "many of our basic interests are not in conflict." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 10).
May 3, 1970
General Vernon A. Walters tells a Chinese contact in Paris that Kissinger is prepared to discuss issues secretly with Chinese counterparts. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 10).
October 5, 1970
In an interview with Time magazine, Nixon, states that "if there is anything I want to do before I die, it is to go to China. If I don't, I want my children to." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 11).
October 25, 1970
Nixon tells Yahya that "It is essential we open negotiations with China; we will send a high level emissary to Beijing: We will make no condominium against China." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 11).
October 26, 1970
At a state banquet with Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu, President Nixon refers to the "People's Republic of China," the first such official U.S. reference. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 12).
November 19, 1970
Two National Security Study Memoranda concerning China are issued. NSSM 106, "China Policy," calls for an examination of long- and shortrange policy goals with regard to China, U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the effect of U.S. China policy on U.S.-Soviet relations, and the effect of U.S. China policy on U.S. interests in Southeast Asia. NSSM 107, "Study of Entire U.N. Membership Question: U.S.-China Policy," calls for an analysis of the interaction between U.S. policy toward Chinese membership in the United Nations and bilateral U.S. relations with the PRC, as well as the effect on U.S. relations with other countries if the U.S. were to adopt a new approach to U.N. membership.
February 16, 1971
The first (and apparently only draft) of the NSSM 106 study is issued. It examines, inter alia, the situation facing the United States, U.S. and PRC objectives, the difficulties in improving relations, and policy options. It begins by noting that "It is obviously undesirable, as well as potentially dangerous, for the world's most powerful country and the world's most populous country . . . to remain as hostile toward each other as they have been for two decades . . ." (NSC Senior Review Group, NSSM 106, United States China Policy, February 16, 1971, p. 1).
April 13, 1971
NSDM 105 calls on relevant U.S. agencies to expedite visas for groups of visitors from the PRC, calls for relaxation of currency controls so as to permit Chinese use of dollars, and grants permission for U.S. vessels to carry Chinese cargoes between non-Chinese ports, and for U.S. owned flag vessels to call at Chinese ports. (NSDM 105, "Steps Toward the Augmentation of Travel and Trade Between the People's Republic of China and the United States," April 13, 1971).
April 19, 1971
The President directs, via NSSM 124, "Next Steps Toward the People's Republic of China," "a study of possible diplomatic initiatives which the United States might take toward the PRC with the objective of furthering the improvement of relations."
April 27, 1971
In an April 21 response to a U.S. government message of December 16, 1970, Zhou Enlai reaffirms the PRC's willingness to publicly receive Kissinger, the secretary of state, or President Nixon in Beijing. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 13).
May 10, 1971
Nixon accepts Zhou's suggestion that he visit Beijing for direct negotiations, in which, "each side would be free to raise the issue of principal concern to it" and states that Kissinger will travel secretly to Beijing for a planning visit. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 13).
May 27, 1971
The study conducted in response to NSSM 124 is completed. It examines options with respect to cultural, scientific, and industrial exchange, trade, the U.S. presence in the PRC, the status of Taiwan, the U.S. military presence on Taiwan, arms control, and a number of other issues. ("Next Steps Toward the People's Republic of China" - NSSM 124, May 27, 1971).
July 9, 1971
Kissinger begins three days of secret talks with the Chinese leadership. Kissinger tells Zhou that the U.S. will not collude against China, that the U.S. will reduce forces on Taiwan as U.S.-PRC relations improve, and the U.S. will not support the Taiwanese independence movement. In addition, Kissinger says that U.S. recognition of the PRC can take place in Nixon's second term. Zhou tells Kissinger that to normalize relations with the PRC, the U.S. must recognize the PRC as a legitimate government, Taiwan as a Chinese province, and withdraw all forces and installations from Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait in a limited period of time. Zhou also suggests that all U.S. troops should be withdrawn from Korea. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 14).
July 10, 1971
Kissinger promises Zhou that U.S. will seek PRC admission to the U.N. and the expulsion of Taiwan. However, he states that the U.S. will not support military action against Taiwan. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 15)
July 15, 1971
Kissinger visit to China and planned visit of President Nixon are announced to the press. Zhou states that "knowing of President Nixon's expressed desire to visit," the PRC has extended an invitation for him to visit before May 1972. The meeting will, according to Zhou, "seek the normalization of relations between the two countries and also to exchange views on questions of concern to the two sides." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 16).
October 20-26, 1971
Kissinger works in Beijing to prepare for the scheduled Nixon visit. Subjects discussed include Taiwan, Japan, the U.N., Indochina, the USSR, and arms control. The Chinese reject a U.S. proposal to establish a liaison office in Beijing. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 17).
November 1971
The White House establishes a back-channel to China through the Chinese delegation to the United Nations in New York. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 17).
December 10, 1971
At a meeting in New York City, Kissinger offers Huang Hua information on Soviet troop deployments directed against the PRC. He tells the PRC representative to the U.N. that if China helps Pakistan and comes under Soviet pressure, the U.S. "will oppose efforts of others to interfere with the PRC." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 18).
February 17, 1972
NSDM 155, "Relaxation of Restrictions on Trade with People's Republic of China," instructs the secretary of commerce to transfer China from Country Group Z of the Commodity Control List to Country Group Y It also directs the secretary of the treasury to eliminate the requirement that subsidiaries of U.S. firms in COCOM countries obtain a Treasury license in addition to a host country license for the export of strategic goods to the PRC.
February 21, 1972
Richard Nixon arrives in Beijing. Over the next eight days Nixon meets with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. Kissinger also holds talks with Qiao Guanhua. Subjects discussed include Taiwan, Japan, the Soviet Union, Middle East, Indochina, U.S. prisoners in China, and South Asia. Kissinger briefs Qiao on Soviet military deployments against the PRC. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, pp. 20-22).
February 27-28, 1972
The U.S.-PRC "Joint Communique Between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America" is issued in Shanghai. Each side states its positions on, inter alia, Vietnam, Taiwan, trade, and future relations. On the subject of Taiwan the Chinese state their view that the PRC is the "sole legal government of China," that "the liberation of Taiwan is China's internal affair," and that "all U.S. forces and military installations must be withdrawn from Taiwan." The U.S. accepts the view that there is only one China, but "reaffirms its interest in a peaceful settlement." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 22; Harry Harding, A Fragile Relationship: The United States and China since 1972 (Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution, 1992), p. 376).
March 9, 1972
NSSM 148, "U.S.-PRC Exchanges," announces that President Nixon directs that "a study be made of ways in which U.S.-PRC exchanges in such fields as science, technology, culture, sports, and journalism, agreed on in the Joint United States-PRC Communique, can be facilitated.
March 14, 1972
Kissinger and Huang Hua meet in New York City. Kissinger reveals Soviet concerns about U.S.-PRC military intelligence sharing. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 22)
June 11, 1972
A PRC note to the U.S. Government, delivered via the PRC U.N. Mission, protests U.S. military violations of PRC territorial airspace. The note warns that if the U.S. side does not show restraint in its military operations, "efforts toward normalization of relations will inevitably be affected." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 23).
June 19-22, 1972
Kissinger arrives in Beijing to begin four days of talks with Zhou Enlai and Ye Jianying. Subjects discussed include Indochina, Japan, the Soviet Union, the Indo-Pakistani war, Europe, Germany, Korea, Taiwan, Sino-Soviet relations, and normalization. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, pp. 23-24).
July 26, 1972
Kissinger meets with Huang Hua in New York. He reviews U.S.-Soviet negotiations and says that he has instituted new military procedures to prevent U.S. violations of PRC airspace. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 24).
January 3, 1973
Kissinger meets with Huang Hua in New York and delivers a letter from Nixon to Zhou which reviews progress in U.S.-PRC bilateral and international dealings and reaffirms his "intention to move energetically" toward normalization in the second term. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 28).
February 17-18, 1973
Kissinger meets with Mao. Mao tells him that "Now we call the [U.S.-PRC] relationship a friendship." "We shouldn't use intelligence operations against each other." "We can work together to commonly deal with a bastard." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 30).
May 29, 1973
The PRC liaison office in the United States opens. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 33).
1972-1976
Michael Pillsbury, a former U.N. official, now with the RAND Corporation, sends numerous memos to a select circle of U.S. officials, including Henry Kissinger. The memos reflect a Chinese interest in advanced U.S. military and intelligence technology and in U.S. intelligence studies on the Soviet Union.
March 14, 1974
President Nixon orders the withdrawal of one (of two) F-4. squadrons from Taiwan, and the withdrawal of the second by May 30, 1975. He also directs that Taiwan Air Base be placed in caretaker status. In addition, he instructs the director of central intelligence to "review and assess" the value of all U.S. intelligence activities [associated with Taiwan]. (NSDM 248, "Changes in U.S. Force Levels on Taiwan," March 14, 1974).
August 9, 1974
Richard Nixon resigns from the presidency. Kissinger informs Huang Zhen, head of the PRC liaison office, that all previous discussions, understandings, and commitments by President Nixon are reconfirmed. President Ford informs Huang Zhen that he supports the Nixon-Kissinger agreements with the PRC and that we should "not let our relations with anyone else disturb or destroy our new relationship." Ford also confirms the continuity of U.S.-China relations in a letter to Mao. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 43).
October 8, 1974
NSSM 212, "U.S. Security Assistance to the Republic of China," announces that President Ford has directed a study of U.S. policy on the transfer of military equipment to the Republic of China (Taiwan) over the next three to five years. The study is to examine the threat to the security of Taiwan, and the roles of U.S. and ROC forces in deterring and defending against a possible PRC attack, and to define and evaluate policy options for further U.S. transfers of military equipment to the ROC.
Fall 1975
Foreign Policy publishes "U.S.-Chinese Military Ties?" authored by Michael Pillsbury. The article is an unclassified version of a classified study Pillsbury wrote at the RAND Corporation for the Air Force. The article examines the advantages to the U.S. of a military relationship with China and suggests some initiatives, including U.S.-Chinese intelligence exchanges.
December 1-4, 1975
President Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger conduct four days of talks in the PRC. Ford meets with Deng on each day and on December 2 with Mao. No communique is issued, reflecting the fact that much of the talks consisted of complaints about the other nation's policies. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, pp. 56-57).
February 21-29, 1976
Former President Nixon visits China at the invitation of the PRC, which is taken as an indication of Chinese displeasure at Ford/Kissinger unwillingness to complete normalization. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 58)
May 17, 1976
China protests early May surveillance flights by the U.S. Seventh Fleet of PRC hydrological ships near the Fiji Islands as "typical great power logic" and "hegemonic acts" incompatible with the spirit of the Shanghai Communique. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 59).
September 9, 1976
Mao Zedong dies.
February 8, 1977
President Carter meets with liaison office head Huang Zhen, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the Shanghai Communique as the "basis" of the U.S.-PRC relationship. Huang informs Carter that to normalize relations the U.S. must withdraw its troops from Taiwan, abrogate the defense treaty, and sever diplomatic relations. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 61).
May 22, 1977
In a commencement address at Notre Dame University, President Carter states that "it is important that we make progress toward normalizing relations with the People's Republic of China . . . and we hope to find a formula which can bridge some of the difficulties that still separate us." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 61).
August 22-25, 1977
Secretary of State Cyrus Vance visits Beijing. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 61).
1978
U.S. begins encouraging exchanges between Chinese students and scholars and their American counterparts.
May 14, 1978
A memorandum for the Secretary of Defense concerning national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski's upcoming trip to China observes that "to establish diplomatic relations with Peking, we will have to close down our official representation on Taiwan, terminate the U.S.-ROC Mutual Defense Treaty, and withdraw our remaining military personnel and installations. (ASD(ISA), Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense, Subject: Brzezinski's Trip to China-Information Memorandum, May 15, 1978).
May 20-23, 1978
Zbigniew Brzezinski conducts talks with several Chinese officials. On May 20 Brzezinski informs Foreign Minister Huang Hua that "I can say on behalf of President Carter that the U.S. has made up its mind to normalize U.S.-PRC relations."
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Morton Abramowitz accompanies national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski to Beijing. Abramowitz meets with a senior Chinese defense official and gives the official a highly classified briefing on the deployment of Soviet forces along the Chinese border, showing the official satellite photographs of Soviet military installations and armor facing China. Other members of the delegation discuss scientific and technical exchanges and the U.S. review of its military posture. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 64).
July 5-December 15, 1978
U.S. liaison office chief Leonard Woodcock holds nine discussions with Huang Hua, Nianlong, and Deng Xiaoping leading to completion of the normalization negotiations. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 66).
November 3, 1978
President Carter issues PD/NSC-43, "U.S.-China Scientific and Technological Relationships," which focuses on evolving programs in seven areas: energy, education, space, agriculture, medicine and public health, geosciences, and commerce.
December 15, 1978
President Carter announces in a radio and television address that the United States and the People's Republic of China will establish diplomatic relations, effective January 1, 1979 and that the U.S. is terminating diplomatic relations and its Mutual Defense Treaty with Taiwan. Carter reads the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. In the communique the United States "acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China." (Address to the Nation, December 15, 1978, pp. 2264-2268).
January 1, 1979
The U.S. establishes diplomatic relations with the PRC.
January 16, 1979
The shah's regime in Iran falls, resulting in the loss of several key intelligence installations used to monitor Soviet missile telemetry. (Jeffrey T. Richelson, A Century of Spies: Intelligence in the Twentieth Century (New York: Oxford, 1995) pp. 339-340).
January 28-February 5, 1979
PRC Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping meets President Carter and other officials in Washington. On the 29th he informs Carter that China intends to "teach a lesson" to Vietnam for its invasion of Cambodia. At a meeting with Carter's Cabinet on the 31st he estimates that if China gets MFN status, Chinese trade with the U.S. will surpass China's trade with Japan and be ten times greater than U.S. trade with Taiwan. In addition China wants up-to-date technology. On the 31st Carter and Deng sign an agreement on cooperation in science and technology. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 2; Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China on Cooperation in Science and Technology, January 31, 1979.).
April 1979
In a meeting with a visiting U.S. Senate delegation, PRC Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping indicates that China is willing to use U.S. equipment "to monitor Soviet compliance with a proposed new arms limitation treaty." Deng also indicates that the monitoring stations would have to be run by Chinese and that the data would have to be shared with the PRC. (Jeffrey T. Richelson, The U.S. Intelligence Community (Boulder, Co.: Westview, 3rd. ed., 1995), p. 291).
December 25, 1979
The Soviet Union begins a massive airlift of troops to Kabul International Airport, while other troops enter Afghanistan by road. (Richelson, A Century of Spies, p. 359).
January 5-13, 1980
Secretary of Defense Harold Brown arrives in Beijing, marking the first direct contact between defense officials. He picks up the discussion on the establishment of listening posts and urges the Chinese to accelerate their shipments of military equipment and arms to the Afghan resistance. Chinese officials, including Deng Xiaoping, press for greater access to advanced technology. At a January 9 press conference, Brown states that "real progress was made in the area of technology transfer. We have made it clear that on a case-by-case basis we are ready to consider transfer of technology to the PRC." (United States Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute, Implications for U.S.-China Security Cooperation, August 17, 1981, p. 38; Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 79; News Conference by Secretary of Defense Harold Brown, Beijing, China, Wednesday, January 9, 1980, p. 3).
May 25-June 6, 1980
Vice Premier and Defense Minister Geng Biao visit the United States. On May 26, Geng tells Harold Brown that the PRC wants further military exchanges with the U.S. and that China can play a role in containing a large Soviet force in the Far East. Brown tells Geng of technology transfer the U.S. is willing to approve to help China strengthen its defenses. On May 27, Chai Chengwen, director of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the MND, meets with DIA director Eugene Tighe. Chai provides maps on Soviet troop dispositions on the Far East and Vietnam. On May 29, Chai, discusses U.S.-PRC military exchanges with a Brown deputy. That same day Brown tells Geng that USG will sell dual-use technology to China that it will not sell to USSR, but not weapons, and that China is now in a new export control category. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 81).
August 25, 1980
Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan states that "I would not pretend . . . that the relationship we now have with Taiwan. . . is not official." "U.S. relations with Taiwan will develop in accordance with . . . the Taiwan Relations Act." (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 83).
August 27, 1980
The Joint Chiefs of Staff request the Director, Joint Staff to initiate, in collaboration with the military service, a broad in-house study of the U.S.-PRC security relationship. The study is to address the role of the PRC in U.S. security, areas of possible military cooperation, and the direction and pace of U.S.-Chinese security relations. (Memorandum for the Director, Joint Staff, Subject: U.S.Chinese Security Relationship, August 27, 1980).
September 1980
Under Secretary of Defense William Perry leads a delegation to Beijing to establish military relations between the U.S. and China. (Transcript of Remarks of Under Secretary of Defense William Perry to AmCham, Beijing, October 18, 1994).
Fall 1980
The SIGINT stations at Qitai and Korla in Xinjiang Province begin operations. The stations are constructed with equipment and assistance from the CIA's Office of SIGINT Operations and are manned by personnel from the PLA General Staff Technical Department. The stations intercept telemetry from Soviet missile test and space launches conducted from two Soviet major launch sites-at Tyuratam near the Aral Sea and at Sary Shagan near Lake Balkash. (Richelson, The U.S. Intelligence Community, p. 291).
January 20, 1981
Zhao Ziyang sends letters to President Reagan and Vice President Bush. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 83).
June 4, 1981
At a National Security Council meeting President Reagan decides to liberalize export controls on the export of dual-use technology to the PRC. He also directs that China be informed that the U.S. is reviewing all legislation that prohibits cooperation by the Government or private industry with China due to earlier association with the Soviet bloc, and intends to adopt a case-by-case approach to approving arms transfers to China. (Richard V. Allen, APNSA, Memorandum for the Vice President, et al., Subject: Presidential Decisions, June 6, 1981).
June 14-16, 1981
Secretary of State Alexander Haig meets with Huang Hua, Geng Biao, Deng Xiaoping, and Zhao Ziyang in Beijing. On June 14 Huang asks for "clarification" of U.S. policy for dealing with allies, claiming the U.S. sends confusing signals. On June 15 Haig tells Huang that the U.S. Government will treat the PRC as a friendly, nonaligned country in terms of technology transfers, and will suspend the prohibition on arms sales. Haig also states that the U.S. is interested in the Chinese nuclear power program but would need assurances on proliferation. At a June 15 meeting Haig tells Geng that the U.S. will consider sales of military equipment on a case-by-case basis. Geng complains that only two items from a list of technology items given to Harold Brown in 1980 have been licensed. During a meeting with Deng on the 15th Haig listens to Deng discuss "the cloud" over U.S.-PRC relations resulting from a variety of U.S. actions: the blocking of technology sales, no action on a proposed $2 billion economic credit, arms sales to Taiwan, and the visit of the president's daughter to Taiwan. On the 16th Haig gives Zhao a letter from President Reagan inviting him to the U.S. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 86).
Late 1981
U.S. officials present China with a "model" nuclear cooperation agreement. But China rejects the requirement that China place any U.S.-built nuclear power plants under international safeguards. (Patrick E. Tyler, "A Few Spoken Words Sealed China Atom Pact," Washington Post, January 12, 1986, pp. A1, A20-A21).
January 11, 1982
The United States announces that it will not sell advanced or improved fighter aircraft to Taiwan, but will extend the existing F-5E coproduction line. (Lt. Col. Todd Starbuck, Issues in U.S.-China Security Relations (Carlisle Barracks, Pa.: Strategic Studies Institute, Army War College, March 1982)).
April 5, 1982
The PRC Ministry of Defense informs the U.S. embassy that the visit to China by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger is postponed indefinitely because of Chinese displeasure with U.S. policy on the sale of arms to Taiwan. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, p. 97).
August 17, 1982
U.S. and China sign a joint communique with regard to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and the PRC's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. The United States announces that it does not intend "to carry out a long-term policy of arms sales to Taiwan," that future sales will not exceed past quantitative or qualitative levels, and that the United States intends to reduce gradually its arms sales to Taiwan. (Deputy Assistant Secretary James R. Lilley, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, April 29, 1986, p. 8; DIA, "China's Perception of External Threat," November 1984, p. 19; George Shultz, Triumph and Turmoil My Years as Secretary of State, (New York: Scribner's, 1993), p. 385).
January 18, 1983
President Reagan signs NSDD 76, "Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with China." It announces Reagan's decision that "the United States will pursue peaceful nuclear cooperation with China on the basis of adequate nonproliferation assurances and other conditions."
February 2-4, 1983
Secretary of State George P. Shultz arrives in Peking and tells Chinese leaders that the United States would never consider entering into a nuclear cooperation agreement unless the two countries shared the same principles and commitment to halting the spread of nuclear weapons. On February 3 Shultz has a two meetings with Foreign Minister Wu, during which they discuss the Falklands, U.S.-Soviet relations, Kampuchea, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. On February 4 he hands Premier Zhao Ziyang a letter from President Reagan inviting him to visit the United States. Zhao accepts the invitation. (Patrick E. Tyler, "A Few Spoken Words Sealed China Atom Pact," Washington Post, January 12, 1986, pp. A1, A20-A21; Shultz, Triumph and Turmoil, p. 390; DAO Beijing, Subject: Asia Trip of SecState, February 3, 1983; DAO Beijing, Subject: China, February 3, 1983; DAO Beijing, Subject: China, February 4, 1983).
May 13, 1983
The U.S. Geological Survey and the PRC State Seismological Bureau reach "agreement-in-principle" on joint creation of a network of nine sets of digital seismograph systems, a data management system, and a depot maintenance center. The U.S. agrees to supply four of the stations (at Beijing, Kunming, Lanzhou, and Mundanjiang). The PRC agrees to provide the U.S. with station tape data "on a basically continuous and routine basis for the U.S.-equipped stations, from Urumqui, and from other PRC-equipped stations as may be mutually agreed upon . . . ." In addition to monitoring earthquakes the network will also be useful in monitoring Soviet nuclear tests from the Semipalatinsk test center. (Agreement-in-Principle Between the State Seismological Bureau of the People's Republic of China and the U.S. Geological Survey of the Department of the Interior for the China Digital Seismograph Network Under Annex 1 of the PRCU.S. Cooperative Protocol in Earthquake Studies, May 13, 1983).
June 1983
President Reagan moves China into the export control "Country Group V" category on the grounds that it is a "friendly, non-allied country." The category includes most friendly nations of Europe, Africa, and Asia. U.S. national security controls and COCOM controls, however, are not lifted, and China remains the only Group V country subject to such controls. (Statement by James R. Lilley, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs).
September 25-29, 1983
Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger makes his first visit to China. On the 26th he meets with Defense Minister Zhang Aiping and gives an overview of the Soviet military threat and the U.S. response, and outlines new technology transfer guidelines. Zhang proposes a "framework for military and technical cooperation." In a meeting with Zhao Ziyang on the 27th Weinberger is told that U.S. policy on technology transfer is a barometer of trust in the relationship. On the 28th Deng tells him that he is pleased at the forthcoming exchange of visits by Zhao and Reagan. He also tells Weinberger that North Korea has neither the intention nor capability to attack the South. Weinberger makes a conditional offer to sell China certain defensive weapons. (Solomon, Annotated Chronology, pp. 109-110).
November 1983
Technical guidelines (so-called "Green Lines") in seven commodity control categories are published in the Federal Register. These define a "green zone" of equipment which will not require U.S. interagency review. The change is intended to eliminate interagency review for 75% of cases subject to COCOM controls, but not to eliminate the COCOM review requirement.
November 17, 1983
Arthur W. Hummel Jr., the U.S. ambassador to the PRC, writes Jia Shi, the PRC vice minister for foreign economic relations and trade, that "My government appreciates the arrangements which your government has put in place . . . to protect sensitive equipment and technology sold under export license to China from unauthorized transfer to third countries. (Letter, Arthur W. Hummel, Jr. to His Excellency Jia Shi, November 17, 1983).
January 9, 1984
President Reagan signs NSDD 120, "Visit to the United States of Premier Zhao Ziyang." It specifies U.S. objectives in three areas: the U.S.-Chinese political relationship (enhancing U.S.-Chinese consultation with regard to Afghanistan, Kampuchea, and Korea), the economic relationship (articulating U.S. readiness to support China's modernization effort through liberalized technology transfer), and the strategic/military relationship (dealing with the Soviet threat and upgrading China's defensive military capabilities).
January 10-16, 1984
Premier Zhao Ziyang arrives in the United States for his first visit. Ziyang tells President Reagan and others that China does "not advocate or encourage nuclear proliferation. We do not engage in nuclear proliferation ourselves, nor do we help other countries develop nuclear weapons." (Patrick E. Tyler, "A Few Spoken Words Sealed China Atom Pact," Washington Post, January 12, 1986, pp. A1, A20).
April 26-May 1, 1984
The official arrival ceremony for President Reagan and his delegation at the Great Hall of the People takes place on April 26. Two days of meetings follow with President Li Xiannian, Zhao Ziyang, Hu Yaobang, CCP general secretary. On April 28 Reagan is interviewed on Chinese television, followed by a lengthy working lunch with Deng Xiaoping. (Shultz, Triumph and Turmoil, p. 397).
April 29, 1984
In a meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Secretary of State Shultz observes that "In some cases, we have found documents and other materials that violate our export control laws." (From: USDEL Secretary in Seoul, To: Sec State Wash DC, Subject: Verbatim Transcript of Secretary Shultz and Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Meeting, 6.30 A.M. Diaoyutac, April 29, 1984).
April 30, 1984
Representatives of the United States and the PRC initial an agreement on nuclear cooperation. (GAO, Cooperation Between the United States and the People's Republic of China, November 1985, GAO/NSIAD-86-21BR, p. 1).
June 1984
President Reagan declares that China is eligible for government-to-government military sales. Defense Minister Zhang Aiping arrives in Washington for an official visit, where he meets with Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, President Reagan, George Shultz, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, John Vessey. Zhang also travels across the country, visiting defense contractors and military facilities. He and Weinberger sign a memorandum specifying the principles for military technology cooperation. (Caspar Weinberger, Fighting for Peace, p. 282).
September 10, 1984
In a letter to PRC Minister of National Defense Zhang Aiping, Secretary of Defense Weinberger expresses his "pleasure [with] your agreement to allow visits by U.S. Navy ships commencing in 1985" and notes his support of a joint technology working group to "assist the PLA Navy with the modernization of existing ships and development of plans for a new destroyer/frigate."
January 12, 1985
Gen. John W. Vessey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the highest ranking uniformed member of the U.S. armed services to visit China since the establishment of diplomatic relations, arrives in China for three days of talks with his counterpart, PLA Chief of the General Staff Yang Dezhi. According to the U.S. Embassy, the visit is to be a "soldier-to-soldier" visit and will not include discussions of arms sales or military technology transfers. Vessey and his delegation tour Shenyang, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Guangzhou where they view Chinese ground, naval, and air force units. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985: Analysis and Chronology, January 2, 1986, p. 2).
January 27, 1985
Melvyn Paisley, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, engineering, and systems, arrives in Beijing for 12 days of talks with PLA officials to continue negotiations on the possible sale of defensive naval weapons and marine gas turbine engines to China. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 2).
February 24, 1985
Paul Wolfowitz, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, arrives in Beijing for a working visit with Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian and Vice Foreign Minister Zhu Qizhen. The talks reportedly center around hostilities in Kampuchea and along the Sino-Vietnamese border, with Wolfowitz asking China to increase its aid to Kampuchean resistance fighters. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 2).
March 17, 1985
Michael Armacost, under secretary of state for political affairs, arrives in Beijing for three days of talks. He meets separately with Vice Premier Yao Yilin, Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian, and Vice Foreign Minister Zhu Qizhen. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry the subjects discussed included U.S.-Chinese relations, South Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central America, U.S.-Soviet relations, and Sino-Soviet relations. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 3).
April 12, 1985
U.S. Ambassador to China Arthur Hummel and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhu Qizhen negotiate over whether U.S. Navy ships will pay a ceremonial port call at Shanghai as scheduled. Talks have been going on since April 10, when CCP General Secretary Hu Yaobang said that the United States agreed not to include nuclear armed ships in the port call. The State Department denies that the U.S. gave such an assurance. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 3).
May 12, 1985
The planned visit of three U.S. Navy warships to Shanghai is canceled. The reason given by the PRC is the issue of sovereignty and Chinese reluctance to accept the U.S. "neither confirm nor deny" policy with respect to the presence of nuclear warheads on particular ships. A subsequent Defense Intelligence Agency report suggests that the real impediment might have been a feeling on the part of the PRC Foreign Ministry that the U.S.-Chinese military relationship was developing too rapidly. (DIA, DEB 52-85, U.S.-China Military Relations: Implications of the Ship Visit Issue, August 23, 1985, pp. 1-3).
June 25, 1985
Richard T. Kennedy, ambassador-at-large and special advisor to the secretary of state for nonproliferation and nuclear energy affairs, holds 4 days of talks in Beijing with Vice Premier Li Peng and officials from the State Science and Technology Commission to resolve differences over the dormant bilateral agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The agreement has not been sent to Congress because it lacks a written pledge by the PRC with regard to nonproliferation. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 4).
July 23, 1985
Li Xiannian, president of the PRC, arrives for a 10-day state visit, reciprocating President Reagan's April 1984 visit to China. During the visit, agreements are signed in four areas: cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, educational and cultural exchanges, and fisheries. During the talks with Reagan, Li notes that Taiwan remains the "main snag" to improved relations. Li discusses arms sales to China with Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and JCS Chairman John Vessey. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 5).
October 1985
Congress approves the first foreign military sales to China for the modernization of large caliber artillery manufacturing production facilities. (From EB/EWT - Robert Price, To: EB/ITC Mr. Zacharia, Testimony on China before Dingell Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, July 28, 1987, w/attachment).
October 4, 1985
General Charles Gabriel, U.S. Air Force chief of staff arrives in Beijing to hold talks with PLA Air Force Commander Wang Hai. He also meets with Minister of National Defense Zhang Aiping. During his 10-day trip Gabriel tours PLA Air Force facilities in Beijing, Shenyang, Anshan, Xian, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 6).
October 13, 1985
Vice President George Bush begins a 6-day official visit to China. He holds 3 days of talks in Beijing, and in Chengdu opens the 4th U.S. consulate in China. Throughout his trip, Chinese leaders reiterate that the Taiwan question continues to pose the "major obstacle" to the growth of Sino-U.S. relations and is the "principle problem" between the two countries. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 6).
November 13, 1985
PLA Navy Commander Liu Huaqing begins an 11-day visit to the U.S. and holds talks in Washington, D.C. with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Watkins, Marine Corps Commandant P.X. Kelley, Chairman of JCS William Crowe, and Assistant Secretary of Defense Richard Armitage. Liu also visits a number of U.S. naval facilities and U.S. manufacturers of the naval weapons systems that China is negotiating to purchase. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 7).
November 23, 1985
Paul Wolfowitz, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, arrives in Beijing to brief Chinese leaders on the recently concluded Geneva summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, pp. 7-8).
November 25, 1985
Xie Guang, deputy director of the National Defense Science, Technology, and Industry Commission, leads a delegation to Washington, DC, to negotiate the sale of U.S.-made avionics for China's F-8 aircraft. The sale will reportedly provide 50 Chinese F-8's with integrated navigational and fire control systems that will give the aircraft all-weather capability. (DIA, United States-China Military Relations, 1979-1985, p. 8).
December 15, 1985
The administration determines that products falling below specified parameters in 27 product categories may be licensed for China at national discretion, without COCOM review. ("U.S. Export Controls and Technology Transfer to China").
December 16, 1985
The U.S.-PRC Agreement for Nuclear Cooperation is signed by Ronald Reagan. (Department of State, "U.S.-PRC Nuclear Agreement," December 8, 1987).
December 30, 1985
The United States and People's Republic of China exchange diplomatic notes in Beijing bringing into force the U.S.-PRC agreement for nuclear cooperation. The exchange follows the completion of the required 90-day congressional review period and the passage of a joint resolution that the president signed into law on December 16, 1985. (Department of State, "U.S.-PRC Nuclear Agreement," December 8, 1987).
March 21, 1986
Zhao declares that China will conduct no more atmospheric nuclear tests. (INR, China: Recent Developments in Arms Control Policies, March 25, 1986, 1251-AR, p. 5).
April 29, 1986
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State James R. Lilley appears before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to discuss the proposed sale of avionics components to the PRC for use in the modernization of the F-8 fighter. (Opening Statement by Deputy Assistant Secretary James R. Lilley, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, April 29, 1986).
May 12, 1986
The U.S. Army Operational Group (of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command) produces a report on Chinese-Iraqi contacts concerning construction of a nuclear power plant in Iraq that would be camouflaged from satellite surveillance. (U.S. Army Operational Group, [deleted] Nuclear Power Plant Development Plans, May 12, 1986).
December 23, 1986
Approximately 2,800 students march in Shanghai in apparent defiance of a ban on unauthorized protests imposed after pro-democracy demonstrators took to the streets over the weekend. (IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 235-86, December 24, 1986).
1987
Construction of the nine seismic stations has been completed. One primary station is located in Urumqi in Xinjiang Province, and is approximately 600 miles from the Soviet nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk. Other primary stations are located at Lanzhou (central China), Beijing, Mudanjiang (northeastern China), and Hailar (Manchuria). The Hailar station will help the United States learn more about the geology of the Soviet Union, which in turn will increase the accuracy of intelligence estimates of Soviet test explosions. The four secondary stations are located at Shexian, Enshi, Kunming, and Qiongzhong.
January 1, 1987
In Beijing approximately 3,000 student demonstrators take part in a New Year's Day protest adjacent to Tiananmen Square in defiance of a government ban. Twenty-four "troublemakers" are reportedly taken away by the police for "education and examination." In the evening, 4,000 students march from Beijing University toward Tiananmen Square to demand the release of the arrested students. Three hours into the 9-mile march, 3,000 return to the university after being informed that the detained students have been released. The remaining 1,000 complete the march and are addressed by one of the released students. (IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary, 1-87, January 2, 1987).
January 5, 1987
An editorial published by China's official news agency warns students that the Chinese Communist Party will not allow its authority to be undermined. (IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 2-87, January 6, 1987).
January 16, 1987
A PACOM intelligence report states that in reaction to recent student demonstrations, top administrators of the Science and Technology University, including its vice-president, Fang Lizhi, have been removed. Hu Yaobang, general secretary of the CCP, resigns his post after criticism, although he retains his Politburo seat. His resignation is probably the result of the student demonstrations. (IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 9-87, January 16, 1987; IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 10-87, January 17, 1987).
May 8, 1987
Congress approves the FMS Avionics Project to upgrade Chinese F-8 Defensive Interceptors (PEACE PEARL). (From EB/EWT - Robert Price, To: EB/ITC - Mr. Zacharia, Testimony on China before Dingell Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, July 28, 1987, w/attachment).
October 15, 1987
Representatives of the PRC Ministry of Health and the State Department sign a memorandum of understanding concerning joint cooperation in drug control efforts. The U.S. agrees to, inter alia, provide information on drug trafficking in Southeast Asia and other related areas to the PRC, and participate in joint scientific research related to drug control. The PRC also pledges to provide information on drug trafficking activities, and prevent the diversion into the illicit market of essential chemicals and controlled drugs. (Memorandum of Understanding Between the Governments of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China, Regarding Joint Cooperation in Drug Control Efforts, October 15, 1987).
February 4, 1988
A cable from the American embassy in Beijing to the Secretary of State notes that "Chinese arms sales to Iran is the most difficult issue we will face during foreign minister Wu Xueqian's visit to Washington." It goes on to state that "we believe the record is mixed" but that the Chinese have made some effort to halt the supply of missiles and spare parts and ensure that Iran does not use the missiles it already has against the U.S. and other belligerents." It also observes that "from the Chinese perspective, they probably believe what they assert, that they have essentially complied with our requests." (Fm: Amembassy Beijing, To: SecState, Subject: Foreign Minister Wu Visit, Handling Chinese Arms Sales to Iran, February 4, 1988).
March 28, 1988
A letter from Secretary of State George Shultz to Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian states that "the introduction of Chinese intermediate range ballistic missiles into the Middle East has the potential to create serious doubts in the U.S. and elsewhere over China's policies and intentions on the dissemination of such delivery vehicles."
May 1988
Vice Premier Tian Jiyun visits U.S. president, Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, and Secretary of State George Shultz. All express U.S. concern over China's role in missile proliferation. (Message, Fm: Sec State Wash DC, To: AmEmbassy Beijing, Subject: Official-Informal, July 29, 1988).
May 11, 1988
Vice Premier Tian Jiyun, PRC ambassador to the U.S., and other Chinese officials meet with Secretary of Defense Carlucci and other senior State Department and Defense Department officials. Tian notes that while there has been progress in the areas of technology sharing and the expansion of trade, the level of cooperation is still way below what the PRC believes it should be. (SecDef to USADO Beijing, Subject: Meeting with Vice Premier Tian Jiyun, May 11, 1988).
July 14, 1988
Secretary of State Shultz begins a three-day stay in Beijing. He meets with Deng Xiaoping, CCP chief Zhao Ziyang, and Premier Li Peng.
July 16, 1988
Shultz holds a press conference, during which he states that "over the past few years we have . . . seen an evolution of a better and deeper relationship between our two countries." He also stated that the Chinese had told him that they had not sold ballistic missiles to any country other than Saudi Arabia. He described U.S. and Chinese views on Cambodia as being in "very broad agreement," and stated that "there can be no return of the Khmer Rouge." (Fm: USINFO Wash DC To: All WF Monitoring Posts, July 16, 1988).
July 27, 1988
The U.S. Senate passes, 97-0, a Sense of the Senate resolution proposed by Senator Robert Dole (R-Kansas) which calls for the U.S. to reassess relations with the PRC and reexamine arms and technology transfers to that country should China fail to alter its arms sales policies, particularly in the Middle East. (Message, Fm: SecState Wash DC, To: AmEmbassy Beijing, Subj: Dole Resolution on Chinese Arms Sales, July 28, 1988).
September 1988
Secretary of Defense Carlucci conducts a series of meetings in Beijing with Chinese officials. At the conclusion of his meetings, he says that he was fully satisfied with the Chinese leaders' description of their policy. (Fm Sec State Wash DC, To: Amembassy Bonn, Subject: Background on Chinese Missile Sales, 29 September 1988).
December 15, 1988
The U.S. and China sign a maritime agreement which allows PRC ships access, with 24 hours advance notice, to all but 12 U.S. ports. Included in the new agreement are Hilo and Guam, which previously required 14-day notice. Four-day advance notice is required at the other 12 ports, which include Honolulu. The agreement also opens a number of Chinese ports to U.S. shipping. (IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 245-88, December 23, 1988).
April 15, 1989
Former Chinese Communist Party Secretary Hu Yaobang dies. (Gordon Thomas, Chaos Under Heaven: The Shocking Story Behind China's Search for Democracy (New York: Birch Lane Press, 1991), pp. 117-18).
May 20, 1989
The PRC declares martial law in response to student-led protests triggered by the death of Hu Yaobang. The demonstrations in Beijing and elsewhere involved tens of thousands of individuals, and had been in progress for thirty-six days. (Chaos Under Heaven: The Shocking Story Behind China's Search for Democracy (New York: Birch Lane Press, 1991), pp. 229-30).
May 23, 1989
At a meeting in Washington with Politburo-member Wan Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the PRC National People's Congress, President Bush states that the United States respects the sovereignty of China and is strongly committed to democracy everywhere. (White House, Memorandum of Conversation, Subject: Meeting with Wan Li, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Member of the Politburo, People's Republic of China, May 23, 1989, 2:30pm-3:45pm).
May 31, 1989
The Senate passes a Sense of the Congress resolution expressing admiration for Chinese protesters, and calling on the secretary of state to communicate to PRC leaders the "serious damage" which could be done to U.S.PRC relations should violence or repression be directed at peaceful demonstrators. (Fm SecState, To Amembassy Beijing, Subject: Senate Passes Resolution on China, June 1, 1989).
June 3, 1989
The American embassy in Beijing reports that "ten to fifteen thousand helmeted, armed troops moved toward Beijing during the late afternoon/early morning hours of June 3." The embassy estimates about 100 troop trucks located within 5-6 kilometers of Tiananmen Square. Human and bus barricades are preventing them from advancing. It also reports that "elite airborne troops are moving from the south and tank units have been alerted to move." (Amembassy Beijing to Sec State Wash DC, Subject: SITREP No. 28: Ten to Fifteen Thousand Armed Troops Stopped at City Perimeter by Human and Bus Barricades," June 3, 1989).
The secretary of state directs that a task force be established in the State Department Operations Center to deal with the situation in China. (Sec State Wash DC to Amebassy Beijing, Subject: TFCH01: Task Force Formation to Handle the Situation in China, June 3, 1989).
June 4, 1989
The American embassy reports that "during the early morning hours of 4 June 1989, the Chinese PLA used automatic weapons, tanks, and armored personnel carriers to move through protestors and their barricades in order to reach the center of Beijing. An unknown number of protestors and PLA personnel are reported dead and with many more wounded." (Amembassy Beijing to Sec State Wash DC, Subject: Army-Protestors Clash-Impact on American Citizens in China," June 4, 1989).
President Bush states that he "deeply deplore[s] the decision to use force against peaceful demonstrators and the consequent loss of life." (SecState Wash DC to Amembassy Beijing, Subj: TFCH01: Press Guidance, June 4, 1989).
June 5, 1989
President Bush announces a package of sanctions, in the wake of Tiananmen Square: (1) no arms and military technology cooperation, (2) embargo on sales of dual-use technology to the military or police, (3) suspension of licenses for items on U.S. government's munitions list, (4) U.S. opposition to considering China-specific proposals for easing COCOM controls. (Department of State, Background Paper: U.S. Sanctions against China, n.d.)
June 7, 1989
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to President Bush's statement of June 4, stating that the "U.S. Government . . . has flagrantly made unwarranted charges against China over a matter that is purely China's internal affair and has taken unilateral actions to the detriment of bilateral relations. . ." (Amembassy Beijing to Sec State Wash DC, Subject: Chinese MFA Response to President Bush, June 7, 1989).
Ambassador James Lilley meets with PRC Vice Foreign Minister, Zhu Qizhen, to discuss the issues of protection of American citizens in China and Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitation of the landing of evacuation aircraft. Lilley notes that several apartments in one embassy housing complex were splattered with PLA machine gun fire and some American correspondents were beaten while being arrested. (Amembassy Beijing to SecState Wash DC, Subject: TFCH01: Ambassador's June 7 Meeting VFM Zhu Qizhen, June 7, 1989).
June 8, 1989
The State Department instructs all diplomatic and consular posts that "Contacts can be maintained across the board with diplomatic personnel. In order to emphasize our abhorrence of this action by units of the PLA, social contacts with PRC military attaches and other military personnel should be avoided or minimized at the present time. Working contacts with PRC military personnel can be continued if kept low-key and low-profile." (SecState WashDC to All Diplomatic and Consular Posts, Subject: Contact with Chinese Diplomats and Attaches, June 8, 1989).
June 9, 1989
Deng Xiaoping, in his first appearance since May 16, states his support for the measures employed by the military to restore order, and his continued commitment to economic reform. He characterizes the unrest as having occurred "independent of man's will" and having turned from "turmoil" into "counterrevolutionary rebellion." (INR, Secretary's Morning Summary, September 10, 1989).
June 14, 1989
The Secretary's Morning Summary reports that "China's leaders have suddenly begun to appear in public in large numbers in an effort to show leadership unity to portray a return to normal government operations. Premier Li Peng chaired a meeting of top government officials yesterday, relaying Deng Xiaoping's June 9 endorsement of martial law and his renewed commitment to reform and opening to the outside, according to press reports." The summary also notes that there are reports in the Chinese media of dozens more arrests of political activists and rioters, and that official radio and television have been broadcasting descriptions of 21 top student leaders for whom arrest warrants have been issued. (INR, Secretary's Morning Summary, June 15, 1989).
June 20, 1989
President Bush announces a second package of sanctions against the PRC-requesting the postponement of all further lending to the PRC by international financial institutions, and the suspension of all official exchanges with China at and above the level of assistant secretary. (Harding, A Fragile Relationship, p. 226).
June 22, 1989
A Foreign Ministry spokesman states that the sanctions announced by the United States on June 20 are "unwise and will get nowhere," according to Xinhua. She notes that China "firmly opposes U.S. government interference . . . and pressure," adding that neither side should do anything detrimental to bilateral relations. (Secretary's Morning Summary, June 24, 1989).
June 24, 1989
The Central Committee removes Zhao Ziyang from all his party positions and demotes three of his supporters. Jiang Zemin, a committed economic reformer, is named general secretary and promoted to the Politburo standing committee. Zhao is removed for making "very serious mistakes" and "supporting turmoil and splitting the party." (Secretary's Morning Summary, June 25, 1989).
June 25, 1989
A senior Bush administration official tells the Washington Post that intelligence sharing has been a substantial element of the U.S.-Chinese relationship since President Nixon's 1972 visit. The official says that both countries had benefited and "it is that which we have to balance against our current, justified outrage." It is also reported that several subsidiary SIGINT stations may have been established. (George J. Lardner, Jr. and R. Jeffrey Smith, "Intelligence Ties Endure Despite U.S.-China Strain," Washington Post, June 25, 1989, pp. A1, A24).
July 1989
National security adviser Brent Scowcroft and Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger make a secret trip to Beijing. Eagleburger would later testify that the trip was intended to "convey an undiluted message from the President to the Chinese leadership about America's horror over Tiananmen." (U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Policy Toward China, (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1990), p. 16).
November 9, 1989
The Foreign Relations Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 contains a number of provisions relating to China, including the suspension of any nuclear cooperation with the PRC and the suspension of munitions exports licenses. (U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991, Report 101-343 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1989).
December 8, 1989
Vice Foreign Minister Liu Huaqiu calls in the U.S. charge to express the Chinese government's "utmost indignation" over President Bush's decision to wave the requirement for Chinese J-1 students in the U.S. to return to China. As a result of the President's action, Liu said, China would "suspend sending Chinese personnel to the U.S. as students for post-graduate courses." (Message, Fm: AmEmbassy Beijing, To: Sec State Wash DC, Subject: PRC Suspends Post Graduate Exchange, December 8, 1989).
December 9-10, 1989
National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft and Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger meet in China with Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, General Secretary Jiang Zemin, and Deng Xiaoping. In a December 9 toast Scowcroft states that "we should not exhaust ourselves in placing blame for problems that exist . . . We should seek to solve common problems and remove irritants. (Message, Fm AmEmbassy Beijing, To SecState Wash DC, Subject: Schedule for Chinese Visit of General Scowcroft and Deputy Secretary Eagleburger, December 8, 1989; Toast by the Honorable Brent Scowcroft, Beijing, December 9, 1989).
Late 1989
A secret analysis prepared for the Chinese leadership predicts that the United States will soon resume military ties "because the United States is anxious to retain cooperation on electronic monitoring stations that are of great value for military intelligence." (Nicholas D. Kristof, "Strained U.S. Ties Reported in China," New York Times, October 5, 1989, p. A19).
November 30, 1990
President Bush meets with Foreign Minister Qian Qichen in Washington. In his comments he says that "the Chinese government knows we have some differences on this whole broad question of human rights" in China and tells Qian that U.S.-Chinese relations cannot be normalized until China improves its human rights record. He also says that China's opposition to Iraqi aggression shows how much the U.S. has in common with "this very important country, China." (Robert Pear, "Bush, Meeting Foreign Minister, Lauds Beijing Stand Against Iraq," New York Times, December 1, 1990; AI Kamen, "Bush Warns China on Its Human Rights Record," Washington Post, December 1, 1990).
April 30, 1991
President Bush decides not to approve a request to license the export of U.S. satellite components to China for a domestic communications satellite, the Dong Fang Hong-3, on the grounds that certain activities of Chinese companies had raised serious proliferation concerns. The President also decides that it is in the national interest to waive legislative restrictions on exports for the two other projects, an Australian communications satellite (AUSSAT), and a Swedish scientific satellite (FREJA). (Press Release, The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, April 30, 1991).
May 27, 1991
During a Yale University commencement address, President Bush announces that he plans to renew China's preferential trading status, stating that continuing China's MFN status "is a means to bring the influence of the outside world to bear on China" and that "[c]ritics who attack MFN today act as if the point is to punish China, as if hurting China's economy will somehow help the cause of privatization and human rights." (Gerald F. Seib, "Bush to Renew Favored Status for China Trade," Wall Street Journal, May 28, 1991, p. A3).
May 29, 1991
The White House releases the President's Report to Congress Concerning Extension of Waiver Authority for the People's Republic of China. The report notes that "China's relatively free emigration policies have continued during the past twelve months" and that "China continues to adhere to a relatively open foreign travel policy." In addition to citing other positive signs with regard to China's human rights policy, President Bush also states that "I nonetheless still have serious concerns about the human rights situation in China." The president cites official Chinese figures that 813 persons have been convicted by courts in Beijing stemming from the 1989 protests, nearly 100 of whom were tried for "counterrevolutionary crimes." ("President's Status Report on MFN Status for China," Dispatch, June 17, 1991, pp. 430-432).
June 16, 1991
The White House announces several actions in response to concerns about China's missile proliferation policies. The actions include sanctioning two Chinese firms (the Great Wall Industry Corporation and the China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation) for their involvement in technology transfer to Pakistan and tighter restrictions on the sale to China of high-performance computers. (Department of State, EAP, Export Control Issues: Background, November 11, 1991).
July 1991
The President instructs the Department of State to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the PRC to ensure that Chinese prison-made exports do not enter the U.S. (Department of State, China: Prison Labor Background, 1992).
July 10, 1991
The House of Representatives votes 223-204 to deny China most-favored-nation status. It then votes 313-112 to grant MFN status, while conditioning renewal on Chinese improvement with respect to its human rights, proliferation, and trade policies. The resolution requires that China free political prisoners, prevent proliferation of nuclear or missile technology, and prevent exportation of products made by prison camp inmates. It also requires that China provide assurances that it does not support coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization, that it "moderate" its opposition to Taiwan's formal entry into the international trade community and that it make "overall significant progress" in curbing human rights abuses. ("House Votes MFN Trade For China for One Year," Washington Post, July 11, 1991, p. A6).
October 10, 1991
The U.S. trade representative announces the opening of a Section 301 investigation of market access barriers in China. (Department of State, China: Section 301 Market Access Investigation, 1992)
November 1991
Secretary of State James A. Baker III visits Beijing. Chinese officials promise they will abide by a 1987 international agreement restricting the export of missiles and missile technology, but only if the Bush administration lifts sanctions imposed in spring 1991 after learning of Chinese delivery of M-11 missile launchers to Pakistan. (Elaine Sciolino and Eric Schmitt, "China Said to Sell Parts for Missiles," New York Times, January 31, 1992, pp. A1-A2).
Baker also reaches an agreement with the PRC foreign minister on elements of an MOU covering prompt investigation, information exchange, meetings between officials, and evidence sharing with respect to allegations of Chinese use of prison-labor in producing material for export to the United States. (Department of State, China: Prison Labor Background 1992).
December 31, 1991
China signs a contract to build a 300-MW nuclear power reactor for Pakistan. China will also transfer nuclear technology. (Far Eastern Economic Review, January 23, 1992).
January 1992
It is reported that U.S. intelligence reports indicate that China is continuing to sell missile technology to Syria and Pakistan. (Sciolino and Schmitt, "China Said to Sell Parts for Missiles").
President Bush tells Li Peng at the U.N. that China's human rights record is "insufficient" and that "we would like to see significant improvement." (Department of State, U.S. Policy Toward China, 1992).
February 1992
The National People's Congress issues its "Law on the Territorial Waters and their Contiguous Areas." The law lays claim to 80 percent of the South China sea with a horseshoe-shaped boundary that runs the length of Vietnam's coastline and then swings southwest to waters off Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. The law calls for "immediate eviction of foreign military vessels or vessels owned by foreign governments and used for noncommercial purposes that violate the laws and regulations" of China. (Patrick E. Tyler, "China Revamps Forces with Eye to Sea Claims," New York Times, January 2, 1995, p. 2).
February 25, 1992
The Senate votes, 59-39, in favor of a modified version of the July 10, 1991 House bill, HR 2212, which passed the House, 409-21, imposing conditions on China's retention of MFN status. The bill requires the president to certify that the Chinese government has made progress in 18 areas before trade privileges can be extended past July 2. The conditions include a full accounting-and release-of prisoners arrested during the June 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, curtailment of "gross violations of internationally recognized human rights," termination of trade practices restricting the import of U.S. goods and services, and action to protect U.S. patents, trademarks, technology, and other intellectual property. The bill also demands that China take "clear and unequivocal steps" to prevent the transfer of high-performance missiles, chemical and biological weapons, and nuclear weapons technology to other countries. (Eduardo Lachica, "Senate Imposes Curbs on China's Trade Status," Wall Street Journal, February 26, 1992, p. A8; Guy Gugliotta, "Senate Backs China Trade Conditions," Washington Post, February 26, 1992, pp. A19, A22).
March 2, 1992
President Bush vetoes the legislation that would put conditions on the renewal of China's MFN status, contending that changes in China's arms proliferation and human rights record would be best accompanied through diplomatic pressure. Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-Tex.) criticizes the action, saying that "it follows a line of bad decisions in U.S.-China policy, from sending high-level officials to Beijing to toast the leaders of China shortly after they massacred students in Tiananmen Square to the recent decision to meet with Premier Li Peng in New York." (Keith Bradsher, "Bush Vetoes Conditions on Trade Status of China," New York Times, March 3, 1992, p. A7).
March 9, 1992
China formally accedes to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (Department of State, U.S. Policy Toward China, 1992).
March 11, 1992
The House of Representatives overrides the president's veto of HR 2212, by a 357-61 margin. ("House Overrides Bush Veto on China Trade," New York Times, March 11, 1992, p. A8).
March 18, 1992
The Senate fails to override the president's veto of HR 2212, 60-38. (Helen Dewar, "Bush Wins on Chinese Trade Status," Washington Post, March 18, 1992, p. A11).
July 1992
Presidential candidate Bill Clinton criticizes the Bush administration for its "tepid response" to the June 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and for restoring China's MFN status "without requiring any meaningful concessions on human rights in China." (Richard F Cronin, "The United States and Asia in 1993," Asian Survey, 34, January 1, 1994, pp. 98-109).
August 7, 1992
The United States and China conclude a prison labor memorandum of understanding, establishing four mutual commitments for exchanging information about U.S. and Chinese prison facilities. Included are provisions allowing each nation to request investigations of facilities suspected by the requesting nation to be exporting goods made with prison labor as well as request to visit suspected facilities. (General Accounting Office, Implementation of the 1992 Prison Labor Memorandum of Understanding, April 1995, p. 16).
Fall 1992
President Bush announces approval of the sale of 150 F-16 fighters to Taiwan.
September 10, 1992
China and Iran finalize an agreement on "nuclear energy cooperation," while President Rafsanjani is in Beijing, accompanied by military and atomic energy officials. (Robert Shuey and Shirley A. Kan, "Chinese Missile and Nuclear Proliferation: Issues for Congress, April 8, 1994, p. 7).
May 28, 1993
President Clinton announces his decision to extend China's MFN status for one year without further conditions. However, he links renewal in 1994 with a number of human rights conditions related to use of prison labor, treatment of political prisoners, and policies in Tibet. Administration spokesmen later say that the criteria were deliberately made easy for the Chinese government to satisfy. The secretary of state is assigned responsibility for assessing the Chinese record and making a recommendation to the president on or before July 3, 1994. (Richard F Cronin, "The United States and Asia in 1993," Asian Survey, 34, January 1, 1994, pp. 98-109; William J. Clinton, Executive Order 12850, Conditions for Renewal of Most Favored Nation Status for the People's Republic of China in 1994, May 28, 1993).
July 21, 1993
The House of Representatives rejects, by a margin of 318-105, a resolution that would deny China MFN status. (Richard P Cronin, "The United States and Asia in 1993," Asian Survey, 34, January 1, 1994, pp. 98-109).
August 24, 1993
The Clinton administration determines that China has violated the Missile Technology Control Regime by shipping technology to Pakistan that would allow production of M-11 missiles and therefore must be subjected to U.S. economic sanctions. The primary effect of the sanctions is to prevent the export to China of satellites built by Hughes and Martin Marietta. Some of the satellite components are considered missile technology. (Robert Shuey and Shirley A. Kan, "Chinese Missile and Nuclear Proliferation: Issues for Congress," CRS Issue Brief, April 8, 1994, p. 1; Steven A. Holmes, "U.S. Determines China Violated Pact on Missiles," New York Times, August 25, 1993, pp. A1,).
October 31-November 2, 1993
Assistant Secretary of Defense Charles Freeman visits Beijing to discuss a number of issues, including the North Korean nuclear problem, Cambodia, the South China Sea, arms proliferation, and defense conversion. Freeman's trip is the highest level DOD visit since June 1989. (Department of Defense, ASD Freeman's China Trip Contingency Press Guidance, n.d.).
January 1994
The Clinton administration decides that the State Department cannot approve licenses for exports to China of satellites under its jurisdiction because those satellites contain military components that are included on the Munitions List as well as on the MTCR annex, and are blocked by the missile sanctions. It also determines that the Commerce Department can approve licenses for export to China of satellites included on the Commerce Control List even though they contain MTCR items but no defense technol ogy, because Commerce licensing decisions are based on the end item being exported and not its components. (Robert Shuey and Shirley A. Kan, "Chinese Missile and Nuclear Proliferation: Issues for Congress," CRS Issue Brief, April 8, 1994, p. 1).
February 23, 1994
Six senior officials from the Chinese nuclear weapons program begin a tour of the U.S. nuclear weapons lab at Los Alamos, New Mexico. (Steve Coll and David B. Ottaway, "Secret Visits Helped Define 3 Powers' Ties," Washington Post, April 11, 1995, pp. A1, A16-A17).
February 27, 1994
John Shattuck, the State Department's top human rights official, meets with dissident Wei Jingsheng in China. Wei passes a message to President Clinton asking him to remain firm in demanding that Beijing release its political prisoners. After the meeting, Chinese officials accuse Shattuck of disregarding Chinese law and interfering in the country's internal affairs by meeting with a "convicted criminal." (Patrick E. Tyler, "Leading Dissident in China Arrested 2nd Time in Month," New York Times, April 2, 1994, pp. 1, 4).
March 11, 1994
Secretary of State Warren Christopher arrives in Beijing to discuss human rights with the Chinese leadership. He cancels all sightseeing and non-work activities. Christopher is accompanied by Under Secretary of Defense Frank Wisner, who is to explore the subject of military cooperation with the Chinese. (Elaine Sciolino, "China Trip Begins on a Frosty Note for Christopher," New York Times, March 12, 1994, pp. 1, 4; Daniel Williams, "Christopher Sets Somber Mood for Human Rights Talks in China," Washington Post, March 12, 1994, p. A15; "Efforts Toward U.S.-PRC Military Exchanges," FBIS-CHI-94-052, March 17, 1994, p. 6).
March 14, 1994
General Liu Huaqing, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, says that the Chinese Government and the Chinese Armed Forces have always attached great importance to Sino-U.S. relations, and hope that the relations between the two militaries will develop normally. ("Liu Huaqing Meets U.S. Undersecretary of Defense," FBIS-CHI-94-050, March 15, 1994, p. 9).
April 1, 1994
Seven carloads of Chinese security agents stop and arrest dissident Wei Jingsheng as he tries to return to Beijing by car after a month of self-imposed exile from the capital. (Patrick E. Tyler, "Leading Dissident in China Arrested 2nd Time in Month," New York Times, April 2, 1994, pp. 1,4).
April 12, 1994
China frees veteran government critic Xu Wenli after five days of interrogation. In a statement the Chinese government dismissed the objections of foreign governments to Xu's detention stating that "It entirely falls within China's sovereignty that Chinese public security organs summon and try according to law those who have broken criminal laws or violated legal provisions. It is absolutely inappropriate for any foreign government or individuals to make irresponsible remarks about it." ("China Releases Dissident," Washington Post, April 13, 1994).
May 11, 1994
Chinese Foreign Trade Minister Wu Yi attacks the United States, charging that it "politicise[s] economic issues." She states that China is committed to the "extremely heavy and arduous task" of economic development and that progress is being threatened by countries exerting economic pressures for political ends. ("Wu Yi Attacks Countries 'Politicising Trade Issues'," FBIS-CHI-94-091, May 11, 1994, p. 6).
May 11, 1994
Lee Hamilton, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, tells the American Enterprise Institute conference on China that "With a country as important and complex as China, we cannot allow one interest-whether it is human rights, commercial ties, or geopolitical strategy-to dominate" and urges President Clinton to "present to the Congress and the country a China policy that looks towards the future, not the past." ("U.S. Congressmen Call for Renewal of MFN," FBIS-94-091, May 11, 1994, p. 7).
May 23, 1994
Secretary of State Warren Christopher presents President Clinton with a report on human rights in the PRC, to be used by the president in deciding on whether to continue China's MFN status. Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy endorses renewal of MFN status, telling reporters that China is "one of our most important agriculture markets." (Elaine Sciolino, "White House Gets Progress Report on Rights in China," New York Times, May 24, 1994, pp. A1, A4).
May 26, 1994
A summary of the report and recommendation of Secretary of State Christopher with respect to China's MFN status notes that, with respect to five areas of concern outlined in the 1993 executive order, China has not achieved the "overall, significant progress" contemplated by the Executive Order. However, President Clinton announces that the U.S. would no longer link progress on human rights in China with China's most-favored-nation status. (Patrick E. Tyler, "China Agrees to Resume Talks with U.S. on Human Rights," New York Times, August 31, 1994, p. A2; "China's MFN Status: Summary of the Report and Recommendations of Secretary of State Warren Christopher," May 26, 1994).
Clinton states that while "serious human rights abuses continue in China . . . [e]xtending M.F.N. will avoid isolating China and instead will permit U.S. to engage the Chinese with not only economic contacts but with cultural, education and other contacts, and with a continuing aggressive effort in human rights. . ." ("Clinton's Call: Avoid Isolating China," New York Times, May 27, 1994).
May 31, 1994
In an article in the Los Angeles Times, President Clinton outlines the administration's human rights strategy with regard to China. The strategy involves five components: (1) the launching of Radio Free Asia and increasing Voice of America broadcasts to China, (2) encouragement of private American organizations to give assistance to private Chinese organizations seeking to advance human rights, (3) encouraging the business community to develop voluntary principles with respect to their operations in China, (4) action in the United Nations and in concert with other countries to press for human rights reform, and (5) appropriate sanctions, including the import of munitions from China. (Bill Clinton, "Clinton: Isolating China Wouldn't Improve Human Rights," Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1994, p. B5).
August 27, 1994
Chinese police detain prominent dissident Wang Dan shortly before the arrival in Beijing of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown, the first U.S. Cabinet member to visit China after President Clinton broke the link between China's human rights record and mostfavored-nation status. Earlier in the week Wang had issued a statement complaining about police harassment. (Steve Mufson, "China Detains Dissident as Commerce's Brown Arrives for Talks," Washington Post, August 28, 1994, p. A17).
August 29, 1994
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown signs an agreement with Chinese leaders aimed at improving prospects for U.S. businesses in China. Brown also initials an agreement to revive the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, a group whose work had been suspended after the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square until early this year. Under the agreement, the United States and China will exchange information and experts on commercial law and key economic sectors such as telecommunications, energy, civil aviation and the environment. (Steve Mufson, "U.S., China Act to Boost Trade Ties," Washington Post, August 30, 1994, pp. A1, A17).
September 7, 1994
It is reported that U.S. intelligence agencies uncovered new information in August indicating that Pakistan was moving ahead with a deal to buy M-11 missiles from China and that Chinese technicians would arrive in Pakistan to help train Pakistani forces in their use. (Bill Gertz, "Pakistan-China Deal for Missiles Exposed," Washington Times, September 7, 1994, pp. A1, A18)
A State Department spokesman says that the U.S. government did not have "compelling, concrete evidence" that M-11 missiles had been deployed in Pakistan. (Bill Gertz, "China May Suffer for Missile Dealings," Washington Times, September 8, 1994, p. A4).
August 17, 1994
U.S. Defense Secretary William Perry and senior U.S. military leaders hold discussions in Washington with a delegation led by General Xu Huizi, executive deputy chief of the PLAs General Staff. The meeting is the first highlevel military exchange since the June 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Issues discussed include North Korea, missile proliferation, human rights, and the Spratly Islands. Huizi also has a separate meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Shalikashvili.
September 10, 1994
Vice Foreign Minister Liu Huaqiu summons U.S. Ambassador Stapleton Roy and warns the Clinton administration that its upgrading of relations with Taiwan is an "explosive issue" that could damage U.S. relations with China. (Steven Mufson, "China Decries New U.S. Tie with Taiwan," Washington Post, September 11, 1994, p. A26; David Schlesinger, "China Warns U.S. About Upgrade of Links with Taiwan, Washington Times, September 11, 1994, p. A7).
October 4, 1994
In Washington, Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen sign the Joint U.S.-China Statement on Missile Proliferation and the Joint U.S.-China Statement on Stopping Production of Fissile Materials for Nuclear Weapons. According to Christopher, the first agreement "represents a global and verifiable ban on Chinese exports of missiles capable of the range of at least 300 kilometers [186 miles] and a payload of at least 500 kilograms [1,100 pounds]." With respect to the second agreement, Qian states "China is ready to work with the rest of the international community to promote the earliest achievement of a convention on the stopping of fissile materials among the nuclear countries." As a result the U.S. agrees to lift the sanctions imposed on China in August 1993. (Remarks by Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen Following the Signing of Joint U.S.-China Statement on Missile Proliferation and Joint U.S.-China Statement on Stopping Production of Fissile Materials for Nuclear Weapons, October 4, 1994, pp. 1, 2; "Qian Holds News Conference," FBIS-CHI94-193, October 5, 1994, pp. 10-11).
October 7, 1994
China conducts a nuclear test at Lop Nur. The White House says it "deeply regrets" the Chinese test and the State Department calls on China to abide by a moratorium on nuclear testing. The Chinese Foreign Ministry says that the PRC will end nuclear testing as soon as negotiations on a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty are completed in 1996. (Patrick E. Tyler, "Chinese Test Atomic Bomb Underground," New York Times, October 8, 1994).
October 16, 1994
Secretary of Defense William Perry arrives in Beijing, accompanied by officials from the Defense Department, State Department, Commerce Department, and NSC, for four days of talks with military and civilian leaders, including President and Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin on arms control, defense conversion, military strategy, and human rights. It is the first visit to Beijing by a U.S. secretary of defense since the Tiananmen Square massacre. In a toast, Perry says that "I believe it is important to the security of both countries, and indeed for the security of the whole world, that the United States and China have friendly relations." (John Diamond, "Perry Arrives for Talks in Beijing," Washington Times, October 17, 1994, p. A11; Michael R. Gordon, "Perry Visit Seeks to Rebuild Ties with Chinese Military," New York Times, October 17, 1994, p. A8; "Further on Meeting," FBIS-CHI-94-203, October 20, 1994, p. 6).
October 18, 1994
In an address to the National Defense University, Secretary of Defense William Perry urges China's armed forces to be more open about its budget and planning in order to ease concerns abroad. Perry tells 300 Chinese colonels and generals that "Your capabilities in all areas, including the military areas, are growing day by day. It would be helpful if your defense budget and strategic planning were more open and visible to the outside world." (Michael R. Gordon, "U.S. to China: Be More Open on Arms Plan," New York Times, October 19, 1994, p. A14).
October 27-29 1994
U.S. Navy S-3 antisubmarine planes from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk drop sunobouys to track a Chinese nuclear attack submarine in the Yellow Sea. China sends up three fighter jets to confront the tracking aircraft. U.S. surveillance ends when the submarine returns to Chinese territorial waters. (John F. Harris and Thomas W. Lippman, "Chinese Watched as U.S. Navy Tracked Sub," Washington Post, December 15, 1994, p. A42, U.S. Pacific Command, Talking Points, Subj: USS Kitty Hawk/Han SSN Incident, April 3, 1995).
November 1994
Lt. Gen. James R. Clapper visits China to meet with PRC defense and intelligence officials. His itinerary includes visits to the U.S. Defense Attache Office, the Chinese Institute for International Strategic Studies, the 179th Infantry Division, PLA Army Command College, and the Shanghai Institute of International Studies. (Patrick E. Tyler, "Pentagon Aide on Secret Visit to Tour China," New York Times, November 9, 1994, p. A16.)
December 14, 1994
China cancels a planned trip to the PRC by Transportation Secretary Federico Pena, apparently to express displeasure with his visit to Taiwan a week earlier. (John F. Harris and Thomas W. Lippman, "Chinese Watched as U.S. Navy Tracked Sub," Washington Post, December 15, 1994, p. A42).
December 16, 1994
Nine pro-democracy dissidents, who had been held jail for 30 months, receive prison sentences. Hu Shigen, a 39-year-old lecturer at the Beijing Languages Institute, receives the heaviest sentence, 20 years, for "spreading counter-revolutionary propaganda." Hu and the other defendants had drafted four articles on human and workers' rights. They mimeographed them and began distributing them by mail and by hand before the 1992 anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The other dissidents receive terms ranging from 3 to 12 years. (Patrick E. Tyler, "As Deng Fades, China's Leaders Tighten Grip on Power," New York Times, December 19, 1994 p. A3).
December 31, 1994
The Clinton administration threatens to impose retaliatory tariffs against $2.8 billion of Chinese exports to the U.S. unless the PRC cracks down immediately on pirating of American music, movies, and computer software. The action is taken after the PRC had failed to meet an end-of-the-year deadline to close down 29 factories in southern China which produce 70 million compact disks and other illegally copied products every year. (David E. Sanger, "U.S. Threatens $2.8 Billion of Tariffs on China Exports," New York Times, January 1, 1995, p. 14).
China threatens to take sharp retaliatory measures in response. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation demands that the U.S. immediately withdraw its threat. ("China Warns It Will Retaliate If U.S. Proceeds With Sanctions," New York Times, January 1, 1995, p. 14).
January 4, 1995
The PRC government urges its citizens to boycott pirated goods. An official from the State Copyright Administration is quoted by the New China News Agency as stating that China will amend its copyright law "to bring coordination between protecting ownership of foreign copyrights and their Chinese counterparts and . . . to protect some new rights." (Steven Mufson, "China, Pressed by U.S., Takes Step to Curb Sales of Pirated Goods," Washington Post, January 5, 1995, p. A30).
January 11, 1995
Winston Lord, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, tells the Washington Council on International Trade that China has stepped up its attack on dissidents after the renewal of its MFN status and the de-linking of human rights with the MFN issue. (Martin Sieff, "Separating Trade, Rights Fails to Improve China," Washington Times, January 15, 1995, pp. A1, A16).
January 18, 1995
U.S. and Chinese negotiators begin talks on curtailing the piracy of recordings, videos, and computer software. The U.S. negotiators demand that China shut down at least one of the 29 factories known to be producing bootleg discs and CD-ROMs. (Steven Mufson, "U.S., China Progress on Intellectual Piracy," Washington Post, January 20, 1995, pp. B1, B8).
January 27, 1995
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Donald Phillips signs an agreement with the president of the science and technology branch of the PRC National Space Agency. The agreement gives the China Great Wall Industries Corporation the right to launch 15 geostationary satellites through 2001, with launch fees to be within 15 percent of what Western companies charge. A 1993 agreement with Russia permitted launch of eight satellites through the year 2000, with prices within 7.5 percent of Western charges. (Warren Ferster, "China Wins Big in Launch Deal," Space News, February 6-12, 1995, pp. 1, 20).
January 28, 1995
Talks between U.S. and Chinese negotiators over piracy of American computer software, music, and movies ends without a final agreement. U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor invites the Chinese to send a delegation to Washington for a final attempt to resolve the issue. The New China News Agency claims that Chinese negotiators "made ultimate efforts and showed considerable flexibility" during the latest talks, but that the United States had made new demands that made an agreement impossible. (Martin Crutsinger, "U.S., China on Brink of All-Out Trade War as Talks Fail," Washington Times, January 29, 1995, p. A13; David E. Rosenbaum, "China Trade Rift with U.S. Deepens," New York Times, January 29, 1995, pp. 1, 8).
February 1995
China takes over Mischief Shoal, a 15-square mile reef about 150 miles west of the Philippine island of Palawan and 620 miles from the closest undisputed Chinese territory. The action is intended to assert Chinese sovereignty in the South China Sea. (William Branigin, "China Takes Over Philippine-Claimed Area of Disputed Island Group," Washington Post, February 11, 1995, p. A18).
February 1, 1995
The State Department's annual human rights report concludes that China has made no progress in any major human rights area last year. The report states that "in 1994 there continued to be widespread and well-documented human rights abuses in China, in violation of internationally accepted norms, stemming both from the authorities' intolerance of dissent and the inadequacy of legal safeguards for freedom of speech, association and religion." It also states that "Abuses include arbitrary and lengthy incommunicado detention, torture and mistreatment of prisoners." (Elaine Sciolino, "State Department Study Says China Lags on Human Rights," New York Times, February 1, 1995, pp. A1, A6).
February 4, 1995
In response to the breakdown of talks on the protection of intellectual property, the Clinton administration imposes punitive tariffs on more than $1 billion of Chinese goods, and warns of further action if the PRC continues to refuse to crack down on piracy of U.S. software, movies, and music. The 100 percent tariffs are imposed on plastic goods, answering machines, cellular telephones, sporting goods, wooden articles, and an assortment of other items. China responds with countersanctions. The U.S. and China give each other a three week grace period before the sanctions go into effect. (David E. Sanger, "President Imposes Trade Sanctions on Chinese Goods," New York Times, February 5, 1995, pp. 1, 12; "U.S., China Exchange Major Trade Sanctions," Washington Times, February 5, 1995, pp. A1, A8).
February 7, 1995
The Clinton administration announces that it will expand subsidized wheat sales to the PRC. As a result China will pay about $20 million less for new purchases of approximately one million metric tons than if it bought the wheat on the commercial market. U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor said that the sale was "for the benefit of U.S. farmers, not the Chinese," and that "We want to build our market share in China." (David E. Sanger, ("Trade Fight Aside, U.S. to Sell China More Wheat," New York Times, February 8, 1995, pp. D1, D8).
February 10, 1995
Russian officials confirm that China has taken delivery of the first of four new Russian diesel-powered submarines as part of a $1 billion deal. (William Branigin, "China Takes Over Philippine-Claimed Area of Disputed Island Group," Washington Post, February 11, 1995, p. A18).
February 15, 1995
U.S. and Chinese representatives resume talks on the protection of copyrights and patents. China says that it is widening its crackdown on pirated compact and laser discs. The People's Daily says that officials from the State Copyright Administration raided several compact disc plants that the United States accused of making bootleg copies of copyrighted music and videotape. (Steven Mufson, "China Says Crackdown on CD Pirates Widens," Washington Post, February 16, 1995, p. A34).
February 17, 1995
A senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official tells reporters in Beijing that the United States "will increase the danger of nuclear war" and "trigger an arms race in outer space" if it proceeds with a plan to develop an advanced ballistic missile defense system that could be deployed around United States forces in Asia. "If a country with nuclear weapons has a spear and then gets a shield you can imagine what would happen," the official said. (Patrick E. Tyler, "China Warns Against 'Star Wars' Shield for U.S. Forces in Asia," New York Times, February 18, 1995, p. 4).
February 20, 1995
Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary presides over the signing of eight private-sector agreements between United States and Chinese concerns, worth a total of $1 billion-although six of the agreements involve projects in a preliminary phase. (Seth Faison, "For U.S. Energy Industry, Big Barriers in China," New York Times, February 21, 1995, p. D9)
February 21, 1995
Admiral Richard C. Macke, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, tells the Senate Armed Services Committee that China's economy is growing at 9% per year and that there "is no doubt that they are going to be a world class power militarily." ("Submarine Buy Shows China is Pushing for Power Projection, Admiral Says," Aerospace Daily, February 21, 1995, p. 267).
February 22, 1995
The U.S. ambassador to China is summoned to meet Chinese officials. They warn that unless the U.S. backs away from a proposed United Nations resolution criticizing the PRC's human rights record, a new rupture in relations may occur. The proposed resolution calls on China to cooperate with United Nations investigators and to "take further measures to insure the observance of all human rights, including the rights of women, and to improve the impartial administration of justice." (Patrick E. Tyler, "China Warns of New Peril to U.S. Ties," New York Times, February 23, 1995, p. A9).
February 25, 1995
A dozen prominent intellectuals petition China's parliament to conduct an independent investigation into corruption in the Chinese leadership. The petition says that the only permanent solution to corruption is the establish ment of a constitutional democracy with independent legislative and judicial branches that would supervise government operations and police the conduct of the Communist Party. (Patrick E. Tyler "12 Intellectuals Petition China on Corruption," New York Times, February 26, 1995, pp. 1, 6).
February 26, 1995
The United States and China reach an agreement concerning protection of U.S. intellectual property. The agreement which includes a PRC State Council Intellectual Property Enforcement Action Plan calls for an intensified six-month crackdown on copyright violators, a series of task forces to collect evidence, expanded search-and-destroy powers for Chinese customs officers, and the immediate removal of quotas on imports of American films. President Clinton characterizes the outcome of the negotiations as "a strong agreement for American companies and American workers." (Seth Faison, "U.S. and China Sign Accord to End Piracy of Software, Music Recording and Film," New York Times, February 27, 1995, pp. A1, D6; Martha M. Hamilton and Steven Mufson, "Clinton Hails Accord with China on Trade," Washington Post, February 27, 1995, pp. A1, A16; Letter from Mickey Kantor to Minister Wu Yi, February 26, 1995).
February 27, 1995
Twenty-six Chinese dissidents, including former student leader Wang Dan, issue two statements demanding the PRC government observe human rights and end one-party rule. ("Chinese Dissidents Issue Human Rights Demand," Washington Post, February 28, 1995, p. A14).
The PRC State Council issues a rebuttal of U.S. charges of PRC human rights violations. The council report claims that China does not crack down on political dissidents, has no prisoners of conscience, does not transplant organs from executed criminals without consent and did not beat to death a Tibetan nun. ("Chinese Dissidents Issue Human Rights Demand," Washington Post, February 28, 1995, p. A14).
March 1, 1995
At a meeting with State Department official Winston Lord in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen demands that the United States drop support for the resolution criticizing the PRC human rights record that is to be voted on by the United Nations Human Rights Commission. (Patrick E. Tyler, "U.S. and China in a Clash Over Human Rights," New York Times, March 2, 1995, p. A7).
March 2, 1995
In their second petition in less than a week, 12 prominent intellectuals warn that the failure to rein in indiscriminate police power in China threatens "the lives and freedom of 1.2 billion Chinese." The document calls on China's parliament to rescind the government's powers relating to unconstitutional arrest procedures that have allowed the police to detain without charge up to one million Chinese per year. (Patrick E. Tyler, "12 Chinese Intellectuals Call for Limit on Police Powers," New York Times, March 2, 1995, p. A2).
March 5, 1995
Parliament spokesman Zhou Jue tells a news conference that parliament will ignore the petitions from dissidents who have been "deprived of their political rights according to law." (Jane Macartney, "Chinese Parliament to Ignore Petitions from Top Dissidents," Washington Times, March 5, 1995, p. A9).
March 1995
In an address to army delegates in Beijing, President Jiang Zemin says modernization of the PRC military is indispensable for safeguarding China's "oceanic rights and interests." He also says that the military "must make new contributions in national unification" and warns that the PRC government cannot rule out a "military option" against Taiwan. (David A. Fulghum, "China Pursuing Two-Fighter Plan," Aviation Week & Space Technology, March 27, 1995, pp. 4445).
March 7, 1995
The Washington Times reports that China intends to buy 22 diesel-powered submarines from Russia over the next five years "in a move that could dramatically alter the balance of naval power in Southeast Asia." The submarines will "enable China to pursue its claims to a vast swath of the South China Sea extending closer to Malaysia and the Philippines than to mainland China." (Ben Barber, "Beijing Eyes South China Sea with Sub Purchase," Washington Times, March 7, 1995, p. A13).
March 9, 1995
China begins the six-month crackdown promised the U.S., with the State Council issuing a directive stating that "Illegal activities must be tracked down and harsh punishment must be imposed on those who violate laws on the protection of intellectual property." The focus of the crackdown is to be fakes of audio and video tapes, books, magazines and computer software; the infringement of trademarks and patents; and unfair competition. (Jane Macartney, "China Cracks Down on Intellectual-Property Theft," Washington Times, March 10, 1995, p. B9).
March 11, 1995
U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor and Chinese Minister for Foreign Trade Wu Yi sign the Agreement for the Protection of Intellectual Property. Before the signing ceremony, Wu accuses the United States of failing to live up to a 1992 memorandum of understanding, which she says, committed the United States to support China's application to join the World Trade Organization. Kantor threatens to invoke trade sanctions in response to China's suspension of the 1992 accord, which called for reduction in Chinese barriers to the sale of American computers, heavy machinery, agricultural products, textiles, and beer. (Steve Mufson, "U.S., China Sign Trade Pact but Bicker Over an Earlier Accord," Washington Post, March 12, 1995, p. A21; Patrick E. Tyler, "New Dispute Imperils Trade with Chinese," New York Times, March 12, 1995, p. 21).
March 12, 1995
China and the U.S. sign an agreement to further open Chinese markets to U.S. products in exchange for U.S. support for China's application to join the World Trade Organization. China promises to resume implementation of the 1992 accord requiring the PRC to lift almost 3,000 quotas, licensing requirements, and other barriers. (Steven Mufson, "U.S., China Swap Concessions on Trade," Washington Post, Match 13, 1995, p. A9).
Apri1 17, 1995
After a meeting with Secretary of State Warren Christopher in New York, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen publicly rejects U.S. concerns about the PRC's planned sale of reactors and related nuclear technology to Iran. Qian states that China's nuclear dealings with Iran were lawful and would have only "peaceful" consequences. Qian did agree to further discuss the question of nuclear trade. (R. Jeffrey Smith, "China, in Rebuff to U.S., Defends Its Nuclear Dealings with Iran," Washington Post, April 18, 1995, p. A13).
The General Accounting Office issues Some Controls Over Missile-Related Technology Exports to China are Weak. The report notes deficiencies in monitoring by the Commerce and State Departments of technologies they license for export to China. (p. 3).
May 2, 1995
The House of Representatives votes 360 to 0 in favor of a resolution calling on the Clinton administration to grant a visa to Lee Teng-hui, president of the Republic of China, to visit the United States to attend a college reunion. (Steven Greenhouse, "Clinton Rebuffs Senate on Allowing Taiwan Chief to Visit U.S.," New York Times, May 11, 1995, p. A6).
May 9, 1995
The Senate votes 97 to 1 in favor of a resolution calling for the granting of a visa to Lee Teng-hui. A State Department spokesman states that the administration is not considering granting the visa, and that doing so "would have serious consequences for United States foreign policy." (Greenhouse, "Clinton Rebuffs Senate . . .").
May 13, 1995
United States Ambassador to the PRC, J. Stapleton Roy, in an address in Beijing to the Asia Society, admonishes senior Chinese officials to move more quickly toward establishing the rule of law in China "as the most effective way of maintaining stability and social order without resort to repression" and observes that "No civil society should ever have to choose between instability and repression." (Patrick E. Tyler, "Scientists Urge Beijing to Stop Its Persecutions," New York Times, May 16, 1995, pp. A1, A12).
May 15, 1995
China conducts an underground nuclear test at its Lop Nur test site. The test yield is estimated to be between 40 and 50 kilotons. (Mark O'Neill, "China Detonates Nuclear Device," Washington Times, May 16, 1995, pp. A1, A13).
May 22, 1995
The Clinton administration drops its opposition to granting a visa to Lee Teng-hui, president of the Republic of China, which would allow him to attend a college reunion. The action is apparently taken to forestall binding congressional legislation that might require Lee to be received "with all appropriate courtesies of a head of state." (Gus Constantine, "Taiwanese Leader Welcome in U.S.," Washington Times, May 23, 1995, p. A15; Michael Dobbs, "Taiwan's Chief to Get Visa In Policy Shift," Washington Post, May 23, 1995, p. A10).
May 23, 1995
The Chinese Foreign Ministry summons U.S. Ambassador Stapleton Roy to lodge "a strong protest with the U.S. administration" over its decision to grant a visa to the president of the Republic of China. The Chinese statement said that decision was a blow to the "feelings of 1.2 billion Chinese people" and would cause "severe damage" to relations between the two countries. The PRC recalls a high-ranking air force delegation that had been touring the United States as part of a military exchange program. (Michael Laris, "China Protests Taiwan Leader's Visit to U.S.," Washington Post, May 24, 1995, pp. A27, A30).
May 26, 1995
China postpones the planned visit to the United States of Defense Minister Chi Haotian. A Pentagon spokesman commented that "We certainly regret [the postponement]. But it doesn't interfere with the growing U.S.-China military relations." (Benjamin Kang Lim, "China Cancels Defense Chief's Trip," Washington Times, May 27, 1995, p. A11).
May 28, 1995
China suspends planned talks with the United States on controlling missile technology and cooperation on nuclear energy. It also postpones visits by the director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the deputy assistant secretary of defense for political and military affairs. (Jane Macartney, "China Kills Arms Talks over Policy on Taiwan," Washington Times, May 29, 1995, pp. A1, A10; Steven Mufson, "China Halts Missile Talks with U.S.," Washington Post, May 29, 1995, p. A17).
May 30, 1995
China conducts the first test flight of a new road mobile ICBM, the Dong Feng-31. The missile has an expected range of 5,000 miles and is expected to carry a warhead of between 100 and 200 kilotons. (Bill Gertz, "China Tests Nuke from off a Truck," Washington Times, June 1, 1995, p. A15).
In a report on arms control compliance, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency states that there are "strong indications that China probably maintains its offensive [biological warfare] program," despite its becoming a party to the Biological Weapons Convention in 1984 and therefore probably "remains noncompliant with these obligations." (ACDA, "Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control Agreements, May 30, 1995, p. 15).
June 2, 1995
President Clinton renews China's most-favored-nation status, on the recommendation of Secretary of State Warren Christopher. A statement from the White House press secretary notes that that the sole requirement for the president's decision is his determination that the renewal "will substantially promote freedom of emigration in China." The statement also notes that "we find China's record on human rights unacceptable." ("Clinton Renews Trade Privileges for China despite Rights Record," New York Times, June 3, 1995, p. 3; Office of the Press Secretary, White House, Statement by the Press Secretary, June 2, 1995.).
June 7, 1995
Lee Teng-hui, president of the Republic of China, arrives in the United States to attend a reunion at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. (Gus Constantine, "Taiwanese Leader Makes History," Washington Times, June 7, 1995, p. A15).
June 17, 1995
The PRC recalls its ambassador to the United States, Li Daoyu, to protest against the visit of Lee Teng-hui. (Steven Mufson, "China Recalls Ambassador to U.S. To Protest Visa to Taiwan Leader," Washington Post, June 17, 1995, p. A14).
June 19, 1995
It is reported that a CIA study, "China-Iran Missile Technology Cooperation: A Time-line Approach," implicates China in ballistic missile technology transfers to Iran that would allow Iran to produce missiles that exceed the range and payload limits specified in the Missile Technology Control Regime. (Barbara Opall, "U.S. Queries China on Iran," Defense News, June 19-25, 1995, pp. 1, 50).
Harry Wu, a Chinese-American human rights activist, who spent 19 years in Chinese labor camps, and was involved in producing television reports concerning the camps, is detained while visiting China. ("Chinese-American Dissident is Arrested on Border," Washington Times, June 27, 1995, p. A19).
June 20, 1995
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry denies that China is violating the MTCR, stating that "China is strictly honoring its commitment . . . no matter what country is concerned." ("China Denies Illegal Technology Sale to Iran," Washington Times, June 21, 1995, p. A17).
July 3, 1995
The Washington Post reports that U.S. intelligence officials believe that the Clinton administration is ignoring strong evidence that China has given Pakistan complete medium-range ballistic missiles, which would require the U.S. to cut off billions of dollars of trade with the PRC. The officials claim that virtually the entire U.S. intelligence community agrees that storage crates at Pakistan's Sargodha Air Force Base west of Lahore contain more than 30 Chinese-made M-11 missiles. (R. Jeffrey Smith and David B. Ottaway, "Spy Photos Suggest China Missile Trade," Washington Post, July 3, 1995, pp. A1, A17).
Speaking to foreign reporters, PRC President Jiang Zemin blames the U.S. for deteriorating relations, stating that difficulties in U.S.-PRC relations stem solely from the U.S. approval of a visa for Lee Teng-hui and that "The U.S. side should take practical and effective measures immediately to thoroughly eliminate the adverse influences and consequences." (Mark O'Neill, "China Urges U.S. Action to Repair Ties," Washington Post, July 4, 1995, p. A17).
July 8, 1995
The PRC charges Harry Wu with "entering into China under false names, illegally obtaining China's state secrets and conducting criminal activities." The Chinese press agency states that Wu "slipped into China's areas and units closed to foreigners on several occasions, engaged in espionage and bought secret information and stole secret documents." (Charlene L. Fu, "China Charges Wu with Spying," Washington Times, July 9, 1995, pp. A1, A9; Steven Mufson, "American Charged in China," Washington Post, July 9, 1995, pp. A1, A23; Patrick E. Tyler, "Beijing Arrests Rights Defender," New York Times, July 9, 1995, pp. 1, 10).
July 18, 1995
The Chinese army announces that it will conduct week-long military exercises in the East China Sea, just north of Taiwan. The exercises are to include naval vessels, warplanes, and the launching of surface-to-surface missiles that will impact in the ocean, according to the announcements issued by the New China News Agency. (Steven Mufson, "China to Conduct Military Exercise Near Taiwan," Washington Post, July 19, 1995, p. A18).
July 21-22, 1995
China begins military exercises, firing four M-9 missiles off its southern coast, about 85 miles north of Taiwan. The short-range surface-to-surface missiles are fired from the Leping military base and apparently carried no explosives. Two Dong-Feng 21 intermediate range missiles are fired before the tests conclude. (Seth Faison, "Taiwan Reported Nearby Firing of 4 Test Missiles by China," New York Times, July 24, 1995, p. A2; Bill Gertz, "Missile Tests Raise Fear of Chinese Aggression in Asia," Washington Times, August 15, 1995, pp. A1, A6).
July 25, 1995
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kent Wiedemann tells a Senate committee that the United States recognizes the PRC government "as the sole legal government of China" and acknowledges the position that "there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China." At the same time, he states that "there is no way the United States can accede" to the PRC demand that the U.S. refuse to allow further visits by the president of the Republic of China. (Ben Barber, "U.S. backs 'One China' View, Resists Beijing on Lee Visits," Washington Times, July 26, 1995, p. A18).
July 28, 1995
In a speech to the National Press Club, Secretary of State Warren Christopher confirms the administration's adherence to a one-China policy and its refusal to promise to refrain from granting further visas to the president of the Republic of China. In answer to a question, he announces that the U.S. will not impose punitive economic sanctions on the PRC for the sale of missile technology to Pakistan because "although there is a fairly large body of evidence, we do not think there is evidence there that would justify the imposition of sanctions." (Elaine Sciolino, "U.S. Offers China 2 Olive Branches, but not on Taiwan," New York Times, July 29, 1995, p. 3; Department of State, "America's Strategy for a Peaceful and Prosperous Asia-Pacific," July 28, 1995).
August 1, 1995
Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen meet in Brunei. Christopher refuses to promise that the president of the Republic of China will not receive future visas to visit the U.S. while Qian states that the fate of Harry Wu is in the hands of Chinese judicial authorities. The two officials agree to hold further high-level talks. (David E. Sanger, "Christopher and Chinese Official Fail to Settle," New York Times, August 2, 1995, p. A3; Michael Dobbs, "U.S., China Agree to Talks On Relations," Washington Post, August 2, 1995, pp. A27, A29).
August 15, 1995
China begins eleven days of missile and artillery tests in the East China Sea, just north of Taiwan. It also conducts joint air and sea exercises. ("China Ends Missile Tests," New York Times, August 26, 1995, p. 5; Patrick E. Tyler, "China Said to Seek to Rein in Taiwan with War Games," New York Times, August 19, 1995, pp. 1, 6).
August 17, 1995
China conducts a nuclear test at its Lop Nur facility. The yield is estimated to be between 20 and 80 kilotons. A White House spokesman expresses regret at the test. ("China Stages Nuclear Test, Incurs Global Criticism," Washington Post, August 18, 1995, p. A29).
August 24, 1995
A Chinese court convicts Harry Wu of "spying, illegally obtaining, buying and providing state secrets to overseas institutes, organizations and persons, and of passing himself off as a government worker for deceptive activities." He is sentenced to 15 years in prison and expulsion from the country, but immediately expelled. (Michael Laris, "China Convicts American of Spying," Washington Post, August 24, 1995, pp. A1, A29; Anthony Spaeth, "He's Out," Time, September 4, 1995, pp. 36-37).
September 28, 1995
A senior U.S. official says that Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen told Secretary of State Christopher that the sale of two 300-megawatt reactors to Iran, which had been opposed by the United States, has been terminated. ("China Softens Stance Against Iranian Reactors," Washington Post, September 30, 1995, p. A9).
September 29, 1995
Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen says that China has "suspended for the time being" its sale of two nuclear reactors to Iran, "due to the problem of the selection of a site." ("China Softens Stance Against Iranian Reactors," Washington Post, September 30, 1995, p. A9).
October 24, 1995
PRC President Jiang Zemin and President Clinton meet in New York. They discuss a number of issues, including Taiwan, human rights, China's desire to join the World Trade Organization, and weapons proliferation. The talks produce no concrete agreements and fail to resolve disagreements concerning human rights and Taiwan. (John F. Harris, "Clinton, Jiang Confer; Thaw in Relations Seen," Washington Post, October 25, 1995, pp. A1, A23; Alison Mitchell, "Meager Progress as China Leader and Clinton Meet," New York Times, October 25, 1995, pp. A1, A11).
October 30, 1995
Secretary of Defense William Perry, in an address to the Washington State China Relations Council, discusses the administration's rationale for its policy of engagement with China. Perry argues that the policy will allow the U.S. to influence China's policies, open lines of communication to the PLA, and help promote more openness in the Chinese national security apparatus. ("U.S. Strategy: Engage China, Not Contain It," Defense issues, 10, 109, n.d.).
November 10, 1995
Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, during a visit to Beijing, warns the PRC government that the growing U.S.-China trade deficit, estimated at $38 billion in 1995, is "obviously not acceptable" and calls on China to open its markets and drop protectionist rules and tariffs. (Steven Mufson, "U.S. Envoy Warns China On Rising Trade Deficit," Washington Post, November 11, 1995, p. A23).
November 16, 1995
The PRC issues a White Paper-China: Arms Control and Disarmament-which disputes the existence of a "China threat" due to military modernization and the notion that China has been involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. (PRC State Council, White Paper, China: Arms Control and Disarmament, November 16, 1995; Robert J. Saiget, "China Protests Charges of Dealing in Nuclear Arms," Washington Times, November 17, 1995, p. A17).
November 21, 1995
The PRC formally arrests the leading Chinese dissident, Wei Jingsheng, and charges him with attempting to overthrow the government. Wei had been in detention for 20 months before the charges were brought. A State Department spokesman expressed "regret." (Steven Mufson, "China Accuses Dissident of Coup Attempt," Washington Post, November 22, 1995, pp. A1, A22; Patrick E. Tyler, "China Charges Leading Dissident With Trying to Overthrow Regime," New York Times, November 22, 1995, pp. A1, A7).
November 29, 1995
The deputy U.S. trade representative tells the Senate subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific affairs that while China had staged thousands of raids on retailers of pirated goods and had established special courts to try offenders, "China's overall implementation of the [Feb. 26 intellectual property rights] agreement falls far short of the requirements of the agreement." She notes that Chinese authorities have taken little action against more than 29 factories suspected of churning out compact discs, that China's Customs Service has not aggressively sought to prevent export of pirated products, and that the PRC has not lived up to promises concerning greater market access for U.S. firms. (Paul Blustein, "U.S. Warns China to Step Up Efforts Against 'Piracy,'" Washington Post, November 30, 1995, p. B13; "Statement of Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs," November 29, 1995).
December 1995
The Information Office of the PRC State Council publishes a report on "The Progress of Human Rights in China." The report denounces interference "in the internal affairs of other countries by using 'human rights' as a pretext." It claims that "China's principled stand on human rights has won support from many countries of the world." The report addresses a number of specific topics, including civil and political rights, worker's rights, and the rights of children, women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled. (PRC State Council, "The Progress of Human Rights in China," in Beijing Review, Special Issue, 1996).
December 13, 1995
After a trial lasting half a day, the Beijing Intermediate Court sentences Wei Jingsheng to 14 years in prison for allegedly conspiring to subvert the government. He is given ten days to appeal the sentence. (Steven Mufson, "China Convicts Dissident Wei of Sedition," Washington Post, December 13, 1995, p. A31).
December 14, 1995
Administration officials tell reporters that it would be politically impossible to support the PRC's demands for admission to the World Trade Organization while it continues to repress dissent and to fails to comply with the intellectual property rights agreement. (David E. Sanger, "U.S. Again Uses Trade Issue in Rights Dispute with China," New York Times, December 15, 1995, p. A11).
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman attacks U.S. criticism of the conviction of Wei Jingsheng, demanding that "the U.S. side . . . immediately stop . . . vicious actions that have seriously encroached upon China's sovereignty and interfered in its internal affairs." ("China Demands End to 'Vicious Actions' of U.S. over Jailed Dissident," Los Angeles Times, December 15, 1995, p. A15).
December 19, 1995
The USS Nimitz, an aircraft carrier, and four escort vessels, pass through the Taiwan Strait. Normally, such U.S. vessels pass Taiwan on its eastern side. American officials attribute the unusual route, taking the ships between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, to bad weather. (Steven Mufson, "China Sends Bellicose Signal Across Taiwan Strait," Washington Post, January 29, 1996, p. A14).
December 28, 1995
A Beijing court upholds the 14-year sentence of dissident Wei Jingsheng, who had been charged with plotting to overthrow the government. The State Council defends the PRC human rights record in a report it issues. The report accuses the United States and other Western nations of having "concocted" criticism of China "to reach their sinister political purposes." (Steven Mufson, "China Defends Rights Policy," Washington Post, December 29, 1995, p. A28).
January 24, 1996
A PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman dismisses as "totally groundless" a New York Times report that China had developed a plan to attack Taiwan following the March presidential elections there. (Jeffrey Parker, "China Denies Developing Plan for March Assault on Taiwan," Washington Times, January 25, 1996, p. A15).
January 30, 1996
In a speech, PRC Premier Li Peng blames Taiwan's leaders for deteriorating ties with the mainland due to what he terms as their bid for independence. He repeats the PRC's threat that any attempt at formal separation will trigger a military attack. In addition, Li indicates that reunification cannot be delayed "indefinitely." A Foreign Ministry spokesman indicates that after the 1999, when Macao will be reincorporated into China, Taiwan will move to the top of the agenda. ("China Warns Taiwan on Independence Move, Threatens Force," Washington Post, January 31, 1996, p. A16; Patrick E. Tyler, "China Hints at a Timetable to Take Control of Taiwan," New York Times, January 31, 1996, p. A2).
February 5, 1996
It is reported that the CIA has uncovered evidence that China has violated U.S. anti-proliferation laws by transferring ring magnets-used in gas centrifuges that enrich uranium used in nuclear weapons-to Pakistan. (Bill Gertz, ("China Nuclear Transfer Exposed," Washington Times, February 5, 1996, pp. A1, A11).
February 7, 1996
It is reported that "Russia and China have secretly concluded a broad agreement to upgrade the Chinese Air Force by completing the long-stalled sale of 72 high-performance SU-27 fighter planes." (Patrick E. Tyler, "China to Buy 72 Advanced Fighter Planes from Russia," New York Times, February 7, 1996, p. A3).
February 8, 1996
China calls on the United States to end arms deliveries to Taiwan, with a Foreign Ministry spokesman stating that one of the "major causes" of tensions in the Taiwan Strait is "the U.S. sophisticated weapons in this highly sensitive area." A State Department spokesman replies that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan were "consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act" and "not at all destabilizing." ("China Tells U.S. to Stop Selling Arms to Taiwan," Washington Times, February 9, 1996, p. A15).
February 13, 1996
In a speech to the U.S. National Defense University, Secretary of Defense William Perry criticizes China's nuclear technology exports and human rights abuses. Perry remarks that U.S. policy "accepts China at its word when it says it wants to become a responsible world power," but that "China sends quite the opposite message when it conducts missile tests and large military maneuvers off Taiwan, when it exports nuclear-weapons technology or abuses human rights." Perry also defends the Clinton administration policy of "engagement," and characterizes a policy of containing China as "flawed philosophically because it presumes engagement equals appeasement." (Bill Gertz, "Perry Calls on China to Earn U.S. Trust," Washington Times, February 14, 1996, pp. A1, A10).
February 23, 1996
Director of Central Intelligence John Deutch tells the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that "the intelligence community continues to get accurate and timely information on Chinese activities that involve inappropriate weapons and military technology assistance to other countries." (Bill Gertz, "China's Illegal Actions Detailed," Washington Times, February 23, 1996, p. A3).
March 5, 1996
The New China News Agency announces that the PRC will begin test-firing missiles in three days into international waters near Taiwan's two largest ports. Defense Secretary William J. Perry tells the Senate Armed Services Committee that China has made "a very bad mistake . . . to put the impact area so near to Taiwan," and that "I deplore that decision on their part." (Steven Mufson, "China Targets Missile Tests On Sites Near Taiwan's Ports," Washington Post, March 6, 1996, pp. A1, A10).
March 6, 1996
The State Department releases its report on human rights. With respect to China the report observes that "The experience of China in the past few years demonstrates that while economic growth, trade, and social mobility create an improved standard of living, they cannot by themselves bring about greater respect for human rights in the absence of a willingness by political authorities to abide by the fundamental international norms." (Thomas W. Lippman, "U.S. Report Faults Chinese Record on Human Rights," Washington Post, March 6, 1996, p. A10).
March 8, 1996
The PRC fires three test missiles, believed to be M-9s, into the waters near Taiwan, landing in their designated target areas. A State Department spokesman characterizes the tests as "reckless and provocative." The tests are monitored by the USS Independence as well as several U.S. reconnaissance aircraft. (Keith B. Richburg, "China Fires 3 Missiles Into Sea Near Taiwan," Washington Post, March 8, 1996, p. A23; Willis Witter, "Taiwan Watches Tests Begin," Washington Times, March 8, 1996, pp. A1, A14; Martin Sieff, "U.S. Blasts 'Reckless' Missile Tests by China," Washington Times, March 8, 1996, p. A14; "Taiwan Vows Fight If China Persists," Washington Times, March 9, 1996, pp. A1, A8; "Chinese Missiles Threaten Taiwan," Aviation Week & Space Technology, March 11, 1996, p. 24).
It is reported that U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that companies in China are providing Iran with several virtually complete factories suited for making deadly poison gases, possibly in violation of U.S. law. (R. Jeffrey Smith, "Chinese Firms Supply Iran With Gas Factories, U.S. Says," Washington Post, March 8, 1996, p. A26).
Liu Huaqiu, director of China's State Council of Foreign Affairs, begins two days of talks in Washington with national security adviser Anthony Lake, Secretary of State Warren Christopher, and Secretary of Defense William Perry. (Martin Sieff, "U.S. Blasts 'Reckless' Missile Tests by China," Washington Times, March 8, 1996, p. A14).
The PLA begins Exercise "Strait 961," which the Office of Naval Intelligence assesses "to be a series of rehearsals of a contingency scenario for an invasion of Taiwan." The exercise begins with the firing of an M-9. (ONI, "Chinese Exercise Strait 961: 8-25 March 1996," p. 4, n.d.).
March 9, 1996
The PRC announces that it will close a huge swath of the Taiwan Strait the following Tuesday to conduct "live-fire" exercises with naval ships and warplanes after a series of missile tests is completed. (Patrick E. Tyler, "War Games Off Taiwan to Expand, Beijing Says," New York Times, March 10, 1996, p. 12).
March 10, 1996
National security adviser Anthony Lake publicly warns the PRC that "there will be grave consequences" if they attack Taiwan. In a separate interview, Secretary of State Warren Christopher announces that the USS Independence and accompanying warships are moving closer to Taiwan as a defensive measure. He also characterizes the PRC's actions as "reckless" and "risky." (Bill Gertz, "U.S. Sternly Warns China," Washington Times, March 11, 1996, pp. A1, A10).
March 10, 1996
The PRC issues "A Comparison of Human Rights in China with Those in the United States." The report contains 24 sections, addressing a number of subjects, including election turn-out, violence and murder, the number of prisoners, the right to privacy, the gap between the rich and poor, racial and gender discrimination, narcotics abuse, and the encroachment of human rights in other countries. It concludes that "China has been doing much better than the U.S. in terms of equally enjoying and universally guaranteeing basic human rights and freedom .... The U.S. is not qualified at all to feed its own arrogance and make indiscreet remarks or criticisms against China on this matter." (p. 14).
March 11, 1996
PRC Foreign Minister Qian Qichen charges that the Clinton administration and Taiwan's leaders have touched off a crisis. In response to reports that a second American aircraft carrier task force is steaming toward Taiwan, Qian says it is "preposterous for some people to call openly for interference on the Taiwan issue by the Seventh Fleet or even for protecting Taiwan. They must not forget that Taiwan is part of China's territory and is not a protectorate of the United States." (Patrick E. Tyler, "China Warns U.S. to Stay Out of Taiwan Feud," New York Times, March 12, 1996, p. A6).
March 12, 1996
Chinese warships and fighter aircraft begin live-fire military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, practicing bombing runs and drills. According to Taiwan's Defense Ministry, about 10 PRC naval vessels and 10 aircraft take part in the exercise. In addition, the PRC also fires an M-9 surface-to-surface missile that lands in the test zone off the port of Kaohsiung. U.S. ships and aircraft in the area monitor the firing. A White House spokesman characterizes the missile firing as "a provocative act." (Steven Mufson, "Chinese Ships, Planes Maneuver Near Taiwan," Washington Post, March 13, 1996, p. A18; Patrick E. Tyler, "China Signaling U.S. That It Will Not Invade Taiwan," New York Times, March 13, 1996, p. A3).
March 14, 1996
Testifying before a subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee, Assistant Secretary of State Winston Lord says that the administration discounts "any imminent threat to Taiwan" from the Chinese missile tests. He says that the PRC assured the U.S. that it remained committed to a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan dispute but had not "ruled out the use of force in certain circumstances." Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Kurt Campbell characterizes administration policy as one of "strategic clarity" and "tactical ambiguity." (Michael Dobbs, "House Panel Urges U.S. Force in Taiwan," Washington Post, March 15, 1996, p. A24).
March 15, 1996
The PRC announces that a new round of military exercises northwest of Taiwan will begin in three days and conclude a week later, two days after Taiwan's first democratic presidential election. The designated operational area for the exercises-which are to include ground, air and naval forces-comes within 11 miles of Taiwan's outlying islands of Matsu and Wuchiu. (Steven Mufson, "China Plans To Resume War Games," Washington Post, March 16, 1996, pp. A1, A20).
March 16, 1996
A PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman says that "China has never promised to give up the use of force," and that "if Taiwan declares independence or foreign forces encroach on Taiwan . . . [China] will use whatever methods are necessary to protect our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity." (Joe McDonald, "China Won't Rule Out Use of Force Against Taiwan," Washington Times, March 17, 1996, p. A8).
March 17, 1996
PRC Premier Li Peng warns the United States to avoid a display of naval power near the site of Chinese military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. He also states that the PRC government believes that it can peacefully resolve its differences with Taiwan and that "What is most important is that the leader of Taiwan . . . refrain from carrying out actions aimed at creating two Chinas or leading to independence for Taiwan in the future." (Steven Mufson, "Beijing Warns U.S. on Naval Display," Washington Post, March 18, 1996, p. A13).
March 19, 1996
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Robert Einhom meets, in Beijing, with Chinese officials, to discuss the Chinese sale of ring magnets to Pakistan. The U.S. approves the sale to Taiwan of Stinger surface-to-air missiles, and advanced targeting and navigation system for fighter jets and a package of electronic warfare devices, but denies a request for new submarines. The House of Representatives votes 369-14 to approve a nonbinding resolution that calls for the U.S. to help defend Taiwan from attack.
Secretary of Defense William Perry says that the United States has sent two carrier battle groups to the Taiwan area "to send a clear signal" to China. A PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman states that "China expresses its displeasure with the United States for grossly interfering in China's internal affairs and for the brazen show of force." (Bill Gertz, "Senators Told about Pakistan's Nuke Buy," Washington Times, March 20, 1996, p. A4; Bradley Graham, "U.S. Approves Arms Sales to Taiwan," Washington Post, March 20, 1996, p. A24; Steven Mufson, "China Blasts U.S. for Dispatching Warship Groups," Washington Post, March 20, 1996, p. A21)
March 22, 1996
The Pentagon announces that Defense Secretary William Perry has postponed the planned April visit to the United States of PRC Defense Minister General Chi Haotian, telling him in a letter that "a large scale visit is not appropriate in the current climate." White House spokesman Michael McCurry states that the Clinton administration hopes that the Export-Import Bank will continue a ban on loan guarantees for U.S. companies doing business with China, in reprisal for Chinese nuclear technology sales to Pakistan. (Bradley Graham and Steven Mufson, "Perry Postpones Visit by Chinese Military Leader," Washington Post, March 23, 1996, p. A18; Bill Gertz, "U.S. Cancels Visit, Asks Ban on Loans to Punish China," Washington Times, March 23, 1996, p. A6).
March 23, 1996
It is reported that the Chinese government has rejected a U.S. demand that it rule out future shipments of sensitive nuclear-related equipment to Pakistan. (R. Jeffrey Smith, ("Chinese Rebuff U.S. Demand," Washington Post, March 24, 1996, pp. A1, A31).
President Lee Teng-hui wins the first democratic election in Taiwan (and China's) history, with 54% of the vote. (Richard Homik, "Taiwan's Second Miracle," Time, April 1, 1996, p. 45).
March 25, 1996
The PRC announces that it has ended the present round of war games off the coast of Taiwan. Taiwan announces a plan to lift the ban on direct trade, travel, and communication links to the mainland. (Seth Faison, "Tensions Seen As Receding As China Ends War Games," New York Times, March 26, 1996, p. A8).
March 27, 1996
The PRC government warns the United States that it will face "resolute opposition" from China if it allows Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to accept an invitation from Sen. Jesse Helms to visit Washington. (Steven Mufson, "China Warns U.S. of Consequences If Taiwanese President Visits D.C.," Washington Post, March 28, 1996, p. A23).
April 9, 1996
Representatives of the International Property Alliance estimate that losses from Chinese piracy of films, music, and books increased from $866 million in 1994 to $1.1 billion in 1995. (Kathy Chen, "China Still Ignores Copyrights, Group Says," Wall Street Journal, April 10, 1996, p. A9).
April 20, 1996
Secretary of State Warren Christopher and PRC Foreign Minister Qian Qichen hold four hours of talks at the Hague, discussing the U.S. threat to impose sanctions unless the PRC halts the sale of components crucial to nuclear weapons production. After the meeting, Christopher says that the "matter is still not resolved." Also discussed was the human rights situation in China and Taiwan. (William Drozdiak, "Christopher Fails Again to Persuade Beijing on Sale of Nuclear Technology," Washington Post, April 20, 1996, p. A24).
May 1996
The Office of Naval Intelligence concludes that the exercises conducted by the PRC from March 8-25, 1996 were based on a standing plan for the invasion of Taiwan, first identified in 1994 command post exercises. The three-phase exercise, the final portion of which had to be abridged due to weather, was to exercise a four-phase invasion plan, commencing with missile strikes and proceeding to the establishment of air and sea superiority, and culminating in an amphibious assault on Taiwan. The study also notes that the PRC lacks the logistics and amphibious lift capability to carry out a successful invasion. (Office of Naval Intelligence, "Chinese Exercise Strait 961: 8-25 March 1996," May 1996).
May 8, 1996
President Clinton approves a plan to invoke sanctions on Chinese exports to the United States if the PRC fails to stem the production of pirated U.S. software, music, and movies. The plan calls for 100% tariffs to be imposed on June 15 on approximately $2 billion worth of goods. (David E. Sanger, "Clinton Approves Plan for Sanctions Against China," New York Times, May 9, 1996, p. A7).
May 9, 1996
The PRC threatens retaliation if the U.S. goes ahead with the imposition of trade sanctions. An official of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation is quoted in the official China Daily as saying that "If the United States announces any sanctions targeting China, we'll immediately release a tit-for-tat package with even greater value involved." (Steven Mufson, "China Threatens Retaliation If U.S. Imposes Trade Sanctions," Washington Post, May 10, 1996, p. A33).
May 10, 1996
The Clinton administration decides not to invoke sanctions against the PRC for selling 5,000 ring magnets to Pakistan last year, in return for the PRC's pledge not to sell such equipment to nations seeking to develop nuclear weapons. White House Press Secretary Michael McCurry says President Clinton is "delighted" with the outcome, and regards the events as a "significant new public development" in preventing the proliferation of nuclear materials. (R. Jeffrey Smith and Thomas W. Lippman, "U.S. Relents on Chinese Sanctions," Washington Post, May 11, 1996, pp. A1, A34).
May 15, 1996
Acting Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky announces a preliminary list of $3 billion a year of Chinese imports, mostly clothing and consumer electronics, that will become subject to heavy tariffs on June 15 if China fails to crack down on factors involved in piracy of U.S. music, software, and other goods. China responds with threats to block new U.S. investment and enormous tariffs on U.S. automobiles. (David E. Sanger, "In Trade Rift, U.S. Outlines Penalties And So Does China," New York Times, May 16, 1996, pp. A1, D6; Lorraine Woellert, "Piracy in China Sparks Trade War," Washington Times, May 16, 1996, pp. A1, A8).
May 20, 1996
In an address to the Pacific Basin Economic Council, President Clinton announces that he will renew China's most-favored-nation status, saying that the renewal "is not a referendum on all China's policies. It is a vote for America's interests." (Ann Devroy, "Clinton Says He'll Renew China's Favored Trade Status," Washington Post, May 21, 1996, p. A5).
May 21, 1996
Defense Secretary William Perry reveals that the U.S. strongly urged Russia and the Ukraine not to sell SS-18 ICBM technology to China. Perry tells reporters that "We do have information that China was seeking. SS-18 technology from Russia. We believe that would be a big mistake . . . and have so represented our position to the Russian government and to the Ukrainian government." (U.S. Opposes SS-18 Technology Sale to China," Washington Post, May 22, 1996, p. A25).
May 23, 1996
A federal indictment charges that executives of two of the PRC's state-owned munitions companies, the China North Industries Group and Polytechnologies Inc., played major roles in a conspiracy to smuggle 2,000 AK-47 fully-automatic assault rifles into the United States. (Pierre Thomas and William Clairborne, "Chinese Arms Executives Indicted In Smuggling," Washington Post, May 24, 1996, p. A20).
May 28, 1996
A PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman says that "any companies or individuals that privately engage in the export or transfer of weapons, military equipment or technology without receiving approval of the Government, based on necessary review, will be punished by law." (Patrick E. Tyler, "Beijing Vows To Punish Unauthorized Arms Exports," New York Times, May 29, 1996, p. A5).
June 8, 1996
The PRC conducts an underground nuclear test at its Lop Nur test site. It also announces plans to stage one further test before joining an international ban on testing. ("China Stages Nuclear Test and Vows to Join Ban After One More," New York Times, June 9, 1996, p. 14).
June 12, 1996
It is reported that a draft U.S. intelligence report concludes that Pakistan has deployed nuclear-capable Chinese M-11 missiles in violation of the Missile Technology Control Regime and a 1994 U.S.-PRC agreement not to deploy M-11s in Pakistan. (Bill Gertz, "Pakistan Deploys Chinese Missiles," Washington Times, June 12, 1996, pp. A1, A14; R. Jeffrey Smith, "Report Cites China-Pakistan Missile Links,", Washington Post, June 13, 1996, p. A19).
June 17, 1996
The U.S. withdraws its threat to invoke trade sanctions against China for violation of intellectual property rights. China pledges that those violating intellectual property rights will be subject to criminal penalties, and pledges to assign police the responsibility of investigating compact disk factories, improve customs enforcement, and insure that each compact disk factory pays the proper royalties. (Seth Faison, "U.S. and China Agree on Pact to Fight Piracy," New York Times, June 18, 1996, pp. A1, A6).
National security adviser Anthony Lake arrives in China for talks. His is the highest level U.S. visit since the 1994 visits of the secretaries of state and defense. Upon arriving, Lake tells reporters that "In the past few months we have made real progress in improving relations, and we have worked through issues regarding proliferation and intellectual property rights." (Jane Macartney, "Lake Starts China Visit on Upswing," Washington Times, July 7, 1996, p. A6).
July 11, 1996
A Foreign Ministry spokesman tells reporters that the visit of Anthony Lake "has served to enhance the mutual trust and understanding between China and the United States and improved the climate of the bilateral relations." (Mark O'Neill, "Lake's Visit Helps Heal Links between Beijing, Washington," Washington Times, July 12, 1996, p. A16).
July 23, 1996
A State Department spokesman says that the department is investigating whether a Chinese manufacturer shipped missile components to Syria in violation of the Missile Control Technology Regime. (Bill Gertz, "State Looks at Chinese Missile-part Exports," Washington Times, July 24, 1996, p. A6).
July 24, 1996
Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen meet in Jakarta, and agree to a series of high-level contacts. Christopher agrees to visit Beijing in November, while Defense Minister Chi Haotian will go to Washington in December. Among the issues raised by Christopher are human rights and the future of Hong Kong. (Carol Giacomo, "U.S., China Agree to Meetings with Leading Officials," Washington Times, July 25, 1996, p. A13; Keith B. Richburg, "Christopher Sets Visit To China in November," Washington Post, July 25, 1996, p. A25).
August 3, 1996
The State Department sends a diplomatic note to the PRC protesting the sale of a special industrial furnace and high-tech diagnostic equipment with military applications to unsafeguarded nuclear facilities in Pakistan. (Bill Gertz, "Beijing Flouts Nuke-sales Ban," Washington Times, October 9, 1996, pp. A1, A9).
August 7, 1996
The U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency releases its annual report to Congress, which states that China "remains noncompliant" with the Biological Weapons Convention as a result of a germ-weapons program that has included "development, production, stockpiling or other acquisition and maintenance of biological warfare agents." (Bill Gertz, "China, Russia Still Producing Biological Weapons, Study Says," Washington Times, August 8, 1996, p. A6).
It is reported that the State Department has decided to issue a transit visa to the vice president of Taiwan despite objections from the government of the PRC. (Michael Dobbs, "U.S. to Issue Transit Visa to Taiwan," Washington Post, August 7, 1996, p. A20).
August 15, 1996
The PRC demands that the United States cancel plans to sell the Avenger anti-aircraft missile system to Taiwan, claiming that the sale would violate communiques governing Sino-U.S. ties and Taiwan and would further damage relations between the U.S. and PRC. A State Department spokesman responds that the system is purely defensive and consistent with U.S. policy on arms sales to Taiwan. ("China to U.S.: Halt Taiwan Arms Sale," Washington Times, August 16, 1996, p. A17).
August 24, 1996
The Defense Department announces that it will sell Taiwan $420 million worth of military equipment, including 1,299 Stinger missiles, 74 guided missile launchers, 74 flight-trainer Stingers, 96 Humvee vehicles, and .50 caliber ammunition. (Keith B. Richburg, "China Criticizes Proposed U.S. Missile Sale to Taiwan," Washington Post, August 27, 1996, p. A7).
August 25, 1996
It is reported that the conclusions of a new National Intelligence Estimate state that Pakistan is secretly building a M-11 missile factory using blueprints and equipment supplied by China, in violation of the PRC's pledge to observe the provisions of the Missile Technology Control Regime. (R. Jeffrey Smith, "China Linked To Pakistani Missile Plant," Washington Post, August 25, 1996, pp. A1, A23).
Vice President Gore says that the United States is closely monitoring Chinese technology exports, but refuses to say whether Pakistan is using Chinese-supplied equipment to build a missile factory. He also says that "We have an active ongoing dialogue with the Chinese on this very point." ("Gore Says U.S. Watching China Technology Exports," Washington Post, August 26, 1996, p. A10).
August 26, 1996
The PRC sharply criticizes the U.S. decision to sell advanced Stinger antiaircraft missiles to Taiwan, and warns that the sale could damage Sino-American relations. The U.S. rejects the Chinese request. (Reftel Kaplan, "U.S. rejects Chinese request to halt Taiwan missile sale," Washington Times, August 27, 1996, p. A15).
September 14, 1996
A top secret CIA memorandum concerning the PRC sale of a special industrial furnace and high-tech diagnostic equipment to Pakistan concludes that "senior-level government approval probably was needed" and that Chinese officials planned to deceive the U.S. about the sale as well as future sales to Pakistan by falsifying paperwork identifying the final destination for the nuclear technology and products. (Bill Gertz, "Beijing Flouts Nuke-sales Ban," Washington Times, October 9, 1996, pp. A1, A9).
October 10, 1996
A spokesman for the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs "categorically" denies that Pakistan received the nuclear technology alleged by the Washington Times in its story of October 9. ("Pakistan Denies Allegations about Import of Nuclear Technology From China," Press Release, Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C., October 10, 1996).
October 11, 1996
Wang Dan, one of the most prominent students leaders of the pro-democracy demonstrations in Tiananmen Square in 1989, who had been held in detention for over a year, is charged with conspiracy to overthrow the government. The specific activities for which Wang is charged include publishing antigovernment articles abroad, raising money to support needy dissidents, and accepting a scholarship from the University of California. (Patrick E. Tyler, "A Leader of '89 China Protest Held on Subversion Charges," New York Times, October 13, 1996, pp. 1, 10).
October 15-17, 1996
DCI John Deutch visits China, accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs Winston Lord. According to a CIA spokesman, the purpose of Deutch's visit was "to exchange views on global trends and concerns, and to discuss transnational threats." (Barry Schweid, "CIA Chief Visits China to Discuss Arms, Terror," Washington Post, October 22, 1996, p. A11).
October 29, 1996
It is reported that China, along with Indonesia, is close to a deal to sell Iran five French helicopters that the U.S. intelligence community says will be armed with Chinese air-launched missiles. (Bill Gertz, "Indonesia, China near Attack-copter Sale to Iran," Washington Times, October 29, 1996, pp. A1, A18).
October 30, 1996
In proceedings that start at 9 a.m. and end before lunch, Wang Dan is convicted of trying to overthrow the PRC government and sentenced to 11 years in jail. Reporters are prevented from attending the trial. (Steven Mufson, "Sentencing Is Blow to China Dissidents," Washington Post, October 31, 1996, pp. A23-A24.)
November 3, 1996
Under Secretary of State Lynn Davis arrives in Beijing for talks on arms proliferation and to lay the groundwork for a forthcoming visit by Secretary of State Warren Christopher. An article in the official China Youth Daily attacks the U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia, claiming that the station's purpose is to create chaos and sow dissent in Asian nations. (Mure Dickie, "Radio Free Asia Hit with Beijing Blast," Washington Times, November 3, 1996, p. A9).
November 5, 1996
Under Secretary of State Lynn Davis tells a news conference in Beijing that she is encouraged by the steps the Chinese are taking to control exports to unsafeguarded nuclear facilities. She further states that "We have already had some real success in the commitments that China has made in the areas of proliferation and their nuclear assistance to unsafeguarded facilities." A PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman tells a news briefing that the "most sensitive and important issue is that the United States has [been] exporting large numbers of advanced weapons to Taiwan." (Mure Dickie, "China and U.S. Diverge on Arms Talks," Washington Times, November 6, 1996, p. A23).
November 6, 1996
PRC authorities issue a medical parole to Chen Ziming, a leading dissident. Chen had been released on medical parole in 1994, during China's attempt to win renewal of its MFN status. He was jailed again in June 1995 after writing a letter protesting the continued imprisonment of two other dissidents. (Seth Faison, "China Paroles Key Dissident Seen as Gauge of U.S. Ties," New York Times, November 7, 1996, p. A6).
November 15, 1996
After a 10-minute hearing, a Chinese court rejects the appeal of dissident Wang Dan, upholding his 11-year prison sentence for subversion. (Steven Mufson, "Chinese Court Rejects Dissident's Appeal," Washington Post, November 16, 1996, p. A19).
November 19-20, 1996
Secretary of State Warren Christopher arrives in China for his first visit since March 1994. Among the subjects discussed is an agreement to speed up work on the 1985 pact governing peaceful nuclear cooperation. Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen describes U.S.-PRC differences over Taiwan as "the core issue" dividing the two nations. Christopher announces that China agreed to establish a comprehensive, nationwide system for tracking exports of nuclear materials and an agreement on the expansion of high-level contacts. Privately, he warns Chinese leaders that continued repression of dissidents could damage U.S.-PRC relations. (Steven Mufson, "China Sends Mixed Signals as Christopher Arrives," Washington Post, November 20, 1996, p. A21; Willis Witter, "Christopher Sets Aside Differences, Boosts Ties," Washington Times, November 21, 1996, pp. A1, A14; Michael Dobbs and Steven Mufson, "Christopher Cites 'Progress' in China Talks, but Areas of Trouble Remain," Washington Post, November 21, 1996, p. A28; U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, Joint Press Availability with Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen and U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, Beijing, November 20, 1996; U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, Remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, Beijing, November 20, 1996).
November 20, 1996
In Australia, President Clinton declares that "The United States has no interest in containing China. That is a negative strategy. What the United States wants is to sustain an engagement with China" to try to "increase the chances that there will be more liberty and more prosperity." (Steven Erlanger, "Christopher, in Beijing, Sees Better Relations with China," New York Times, November 21, 1996, p. A10)
November 21, 1996
It is reported that a recent top secret CIA report, "Arms Transfers to State Sponsors of Terrorism," states that China has sold or agreed to sell a number of weapons and weapon-related systems to Iran. Included is an agreement to sell gyroscopes, accelerometers and test equipment to Iran's Defense Industries Organization, the delivery of approximately 400 metric tons of chemicals including at least one used in the production of nerve agents, and the shipment of air defense equipment. (Bill Gertz, "China Sold Iran Missile Technology," Washington Times, November 21, 1996, pp. A1, A14).
November 23, 1996
A State Department spokesman says, with regard to reports of Chinese arms sales to Iran, that there is no proof to date that China is guilty of violating international export controls. (Willis Wider, "U.S.: No Proof of Chinese Violations," Washington 'Times, November 23, 1996, pp. A1, A8).
November 24, 1996
President Clinton and PRC President Jiang Zemin meet in Manila prior to an Asian economic summit meeting. They agree to exchange state visits over the next two years. (Todd S. Purdum, "Clinton and Chinese President Agree to Exchange State Visits," New York Times, November 25, 1996, pp. A1, A6).
December 9, 1996
The PRC Defense Minister General Chi Haotian begins a 10-day official visit to the United States, meeting President Clinton and Defense Secretary William J. Perry, and asserting that his country seeks only "peace and stability." Perry warns General Chi that "even legal arms sales to Iran threaten U.S. interests." In response to reporters' questions about allegations of PRC sales of nuclear technology, Chi says that "Some of these issues have been exaggerated and some of these issues simply do not exist." (Steven Erlanger, "Visiting Washington, China's Defense Chief Calls for Peace," New York Times, December 10, 1996, p. A3).
December 10, 1996
PRC Defense Minister General Chi Haotian tells an audience of U.S. military officers that "not a single person lost his life in Tiananmen Square," and that "a small number of bad people used that occasion to direct a spearhead at the People's Liberation Army." With respect to Taiwan he remarks that "We hope to see a peaceful settlement yet refuse to renounce the use of force." (John Diamond, "Chinese Defense Chief Takes Hard Line on Tiananmen Square Actions, Taiwan," Washington Post, December 11, 1996, p. A22).
December 21, 1996
The PRC appoints a new legislature for Hong Kong, dissolving one that had been elected. The British governor of Hong Kong denounces the move as a "bizarre farce." The U.S. consul in Hong Kong, Richard Boucher, says the new legislature "is a bad idea and a mistake," because Hong Kong needs democracy in order to thrive as a financial powerhouse. (Raymond Chow, "Beijing Appoints New Legislature for 'new' Hong Kong," Washington Times, December 22, 1996, p. A6).
January 8, 1997
In written answers to Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-Utah), Secretary of State designate Madeleine Albright states that PRC companies have sold equipment to Iran that could help its effort to produce biological weapons. Albright notes that "We have received reports regarding transfers of dual-use items from Chinese entities to Iranian government entities which raise concern." (Bill Gertz, "Albright Concedes 'Concern' over China-Iran Transfers," Washington Times, January 24, 1997, p. A6).
January 28, 1997
At a news conference President Clinton acknowledges that his policy of "constructive engagement" with China had failed to produce the progress on human rights he hoped it would. But he says that "the policy we're following is the correct one. (R.W. Apple, Jr., "Clinton Concedes China Policy Hasn't Helped Much on Rights," New York Times, January 29, 1996, p. A6).
February 1, 1997
The PRC protests the U.S. State Department's criticism of China's human rights practices, asserting that the "The U.S. government turns a blind eye to the facts and distorts and condemns China's human rights situation, seriously violating the basic principles of international relations." (Jane Macartney, "China Denounces U.S. Report on Silencing of Dissidents," Washington Times, February 2, 1997, p. A5).
February 2, 1997
The Preparatory Committee, the group overseeing the handover of Hong Kong to the PRC, votes to roll back civil liberties, give the police power to ban protests, and restrict the foreign funding of local groups. (Keith B. Richburg, "Hong Kong Restrictions Approved," Washington Post, February 2, 1997, p. A29).
The United States and China reach a broad agreement on textile trade. American officials portray the agreement as a breakthrough that allows American textile sellers better access to China, in exchange for loosening restrictions on the volume of textiles and garments that China exports to the United States, its largest market. (Seth Faison, "U.S.-China Textile Trade Pact Signed in Time for Albright Trip," New York Times, February 3, 1997, p. A8).
February 6, 1997
China's major newspapers carry identical reports in which analysts from government organizations call the State Department human rights report "an act of hegemony that severely interferes in the internal affairs of China." (Steven Mufson, "China Reacts Angrily to State Department Rights Report, Criticizes U.S.," Washington Post, February 7, 1997, p. A28).
February 14, 1997
It is reported that the FBI is examining whether Chinese officials or their agents may have used people close to President Clinton to give money secretly to the Democratic Party over the past five years. (Tim Weiner, "FBI Looks at Whether China Funneled Money to Democrats," New York Times, February 14, 1997, p. A21).
February 19, 1997
Deng Xiaoping dies.
February 24, 1997
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright meets in Beijing with Prime Minister Li Peng and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen. At a news conference, she says that she was surprised and gratified by the willingness of Chinese leaders to receive her on the eve of Deng's state funeral. (Michael Dobbs, "Albright Takes Balancing Act to Beijing," Washington Post, February 25, 1997, p. A12).
February 28, 1997
It is reported that the FBI is investigating whether representatives of the PRC attempted to buy influence among members of Congress through illegal contributions and payments from Chinese-controlled businesses. (Brian Duffy and Bob Woodward, "FBI Probes China-Linked Contributions," Washington Post, February 28, 1997, pp. A1, A6).
March 9, 1997
Three Chinese military ships en route to their first visit to the U.S. mainland make a port call at Pearl Harbor. At a welcoming ceremony, Adm. Archie R. Clemins, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, states that "Today marks a major milestone in the relationship between China and the United States . . .. With today's visit our navies are entering a new era of peace and co-operation." (Susan Kreifels, "Chinese Navy Ships, on Unusual Tour, Make Call at Pearl Harbor," Washington Post, March 10, 1997, p. A9).
March 24, 1997
Vice President Gore arrives in Beijing for the highest-ranking official visit to China since 1989, and witnesses the signing of major deals between the PRC and Boeing and General Motors. Administration officials traveling with Gore hail the contracts as a triumph of the Clinton administration's engagement policy. (John F. Harris, "In China, Gore Hails GM, Boeing Deals as U.S. Policy Triumph," Washington Post, March 25, 1997, p. A13).
March 26, 1997
In his meeting with PRC Premier Li Peng, Vice President Gore promises that allegations that Beijing tried to buy influence in Washington with illegal campaign contributions will not affect the Clinton administration's policy of seeking improved relations with China. In response to later wire service reports of the meeting, a senior administration official tells reporters that Gore made it clear to Li that there would be "very serious" repercussions if the allegations were true. Gore also raised the question of PRC suppression of dissidents with Li. Gore tells a news briefing that he also raised the issues of China's growing trade surplus with the U.S. and its entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), and "expressed the need of greater access to China's market for American goods and services." (John F. Harris, "Funds Probe Won't Mar U.S.-China Ties, Gore Says," Washington Post, March 26, 1997, pp. A1, A24; Scott Hillis, "Gore: Chinese Get Tough Message," Washington Times, March 27, 1997, p. A11).
April 1, 1997
In Geneva, Bill Richardson, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., tells a news conference that the U.S. wants a resolution criticizing China to emerge from the current session of the U. N. Human Rights Commission. Earlier, he tells the commission that China "continues to commit widespread and well-documented human rights abuses." (Robert Evans, "U.S. Seeks Resolution on Rights in China," Washington Times, April 2, 1997, p. A10).
April 10, 1997
Robert Einhorn, deputy assistant secretary of state for nonproliferation, tells a congressional committee that China has replaced Russia as the primary supplier of arms to Iran. He also states that the administration suspects that China will continue to ship M-11 missile components to Pakistan despite their 1994 pledge to stop. (Rowan Scarborough, "China Helps Iran Develop Chemical Arms," Washington Times, April 11, 1997, pp. A1, A13).
April 15, 1997
A U.S.-sponsored resolution condemning China's human rights practices fails before the United Nations Human Rights Commission by a 27-17 vote, the widest margin ever. The Chinese delegate terms the vote "a victory for cooperation over confrontation." ("China Defeats U.N. Resolution Critical of Its Record," New York Times, April 16, 1997, p. A11.)
April 18, 1997
President Clinton meets with Martin Lee, leader of Hong Kong's Democratic Party and a prominent critic of China's effort to change Hong Kong's laws. The president warns Chinese leaders that they should "live up to their agreement" to protect Hong Kong's economic, political, and civil liberties after they assume control on July 1. (Steven Erlanger, "Clinton Meets a Thorn in China's Side," New York Times, April 19, 1997, p. 5).
April 22, 1997
It is reported that a Federal criminal inquiry has uncovered new evidence that a state-owned Chinese company, CATIC, diverted machine equipment it claimed it was purchasing to build civilian airliners to a military plant that builds missiles and fighter aircraft. (Jeff Gerth, "Officials Say China Illegally Sent U.S. Equipment to Military Plant," New York Times, April 23, 1997, pp. A1, A9).
April 25, 1997
The Washington Post reports that the FBI "has obtained substantial evidence that 'top' Chinese officials approved plans in 1995 to attempt to buy influence with U.S. politicians, and that the scheme continued through the 1996 elections and is ongoing . . .." Information obtained by the FBI indicates that the PRC planned to spend over $2 million. (Bob Woodward, "Top Chinese Linked to Plan to Buy Favor," Washington Post, April 25, 1997, pp. A1, A13).
April 26, 1997
In a news conference, President Clinton says that the PRC "should not be tried and convicted before we know all the facts." He also states that "A lot of our friends in the world, countries with whom we are very closely allied, have friends in the United States that advocate for the policies of the governments all the time . . .." (John F. Harris, "Don't Prejudge China, Clinton Urges," Washington Post, April 26, 1997, p. A16).
April 28-30,-1997
PRC Foreign Minister Qian Qichen meets with congressional and administration officials in Washington to prepare for the upcoming state visit of President Jiang Zemin and to reassure the officials of China's commitment to preserve the autonomy and free market of Hong Kong. After meeting with Qian on April 30, during which Hong Kong and the Chinese trade surplus were discussed, President Clinton pronounces himself "quite satisfied" with the assurances. (Steven Erlanger, "Clinton and Gingrich View Hong Kong as Test for China," New York Times, May 1, 1997, p. A8).
May 13, 1997
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Shalikashvili, begins a four-day visit to China. He is scheduled to meet with his counterpart, General Fu Quanyou, and visit military facilities. He is the highest-ranking military officer to visit China since 1983. ("Top U.S. General Visits China," Washington Times, May 13, 1997, p. A14).
May 17, 1997
A Chinese court sentences four people to jail terms of 3 to 14 years for their roles in smuggling Chinese-made AK-47 assault rifles to the United States, a year after San Francisco prosecutors accused Chinese government arms merchants of plotting the illegal sale. The Chinese court assigns responsibility to middle-level managers and says the managers failed to check with senior officials. (Steven Mufson, "China Sentences 4 for Smuggling Arms to U.S.," Washington Post, May 18, 1997, p. A24).
May 19, 1997
President Clinton begins a campaign to win congressional renewal of most-favored-nation status for the PRC. In an announcement before a group of business executives, he states that trade ties are "the best way to bring China into the family of nations and to secure our interests and our ideals" and that "if we were to revoke normal trade status, it would cut off our contact with the Chinese people and undermine our influence with the Chinese government." (The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, Remarks by the President to the Young Presidents Organizations, May 19, 1997, pp. 1-3).
Newsweek reports that in a series of covert 1995 transactions, the PRC funneled nearly $1 million into the United States to influence American politicians and policy. (Daniel Kladman, "A Break in the Case," Newsweek, May 19, 1997, pp. 54-55).
May 20, 1997
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman states that "We welcome President Clinton's announcement to extend most-favored-nation status for China" and that "The U.S. Congress should not engage in unnecessary interference in MFN for China or cancel MFN. This is not in the interests of either side." (Steven Mufson, "China Lauds Clinton Support on Trade," Washington Post, May 21, 1997, p. A27).
May 22, 1997
Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright announces that the United States has imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies (the Nanjing Chemical Industries Group and Jiangsu Yongli Chemical Engineering and Technology Import/Export Corporation) and some of their executives for knowingly assisting Iran in producing chemical weapons. She also says that the U.S. had no evidence that the PRC government was involved. It also reports that the U.S. raised the issue of the companies' activities with senior Chinese officials for at least a couple of years. (Steven Lee Myers, "U.S. Asserting Iran Link, Bars 2 Chinese Firms," New York Times, May 23, 1997, pp. A1, A12).
May 31, 1997
A State Department report states that China has sold Iran C-802 ship-based anti-ship missiles and implies that it has also sold Iran the land-based version of the missile. It is suggested in a media account that the Chinese corporation likely to have sold the missiles is the China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation, a "ministry-level" corporation that was sanctioned twice previously for supplying M-11 missiles to Pakistan. (Thomas W. Lippman, "U.S. Confirms China Missile Sale to Iran," Washington Post, May 31, 1997, p. A15).
June 3, 1997
China defends what it characterizes as transfers of small amounts of weapons to Iran. According to a Foreign Ministry spokesman, "Our . . . engagement with other countries, including Iran, in small amounts of conventional weapons is totally appropriate and legal." (Benjamin Kang Lim, "Beijing Defends Selling Iran Arms," Washington Times, June 4, 1997, p. A4).
June 6, 1997
In a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations, national security adviser Sandy Berger states that "The goals of the opponents to normal trading relations with China are ones that we share-advocating human rights and religious freedom, promoting fair trade, strengthening regional and global security. But the method they have chosen-destroying our economic relations with China-is profoundly misguided." Berger also argues that "Treating China as our enemy could well make China our enemy." (Steve Lee Myers, "China's Trade Status Remains 'Open Question', New York Times, June 7, 1997, p. 7).
In a 259-to-173 vote, the House of Representatives rejects legislation that would end the PRC's most-favored-nation status. The 173 votes are the highest total voting for termination of MFN status since 1992. President Clinton comments that the action "makes clear that the right way to encourage further progress in China is not to cut China out but to draw China in." (Adam Clymer, "House Defeats Effort to Punish China by Curbing Trade," New York Times, June 25, 1997, p. A6).
The PRC rejects a Cambodian Government request for creation of an international tribunal to bring leaders of the Khmer Rouge, including Pol Pot, to trial. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman in Beijing states that "The question of Pol Pot is Cambodia's internal affair." (Barbara Crosette, "Beijing Says It Won't Go Along with Creation of Pol Pot Tribunal," New York Times, June 25, 1997, p. A6).
June 30, 1997
It is reported that the CIA has concluded that the PRC is helping Pakistan build a plant to manufacture M-11 missiles. Intelligence is reported to have revealed that about a dozen engineers from the China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corp., which markets the M-11 overseas, have visited the site. (Douglas Waller, "The Secret Missile Deal," Time, June 30, 1997, p. 58).
July 1, 1997
The United Kingdom turns over control of Hong Kong to the PRC, in accord with the 1984 agreement. At a rally in Beijing, President Jiang Zemin calls on Taiwan to be next by taking "concrete steps" toward the complete reunification of the country." (Patrick E. Tyler, "Hong Kong, Macao, Then Taiwan, China's President Tells Rally," New York Times, July 2, 1997, p. A11).
July 3, 1997
The PRC denies the claim in an unclassified CIA report that China is the top source of technology for weapons of mass destruction during the last half of 1996. A Foreign Ministry spokesman calls the CIA report "purely fictitious and concocted." ("Beijing denies CIA allegations of arms sales, computer misuse," Washington Times, July 4, 1997, p. A10).
July 20, 1997
The Taiwanese National Assembly approves a constitutional amendment, 261-8, ending Taiwan's status as a province of China by abolishing the provincial government structure that has been in place since the Nationalist forces were driven from the mainland. China warned against such action, which it interprets as a move toward independence. ("Taiwan Ends Its Status as a 'Province' of China," New York Times, July 20, 1997, p. 6).
July 29, 1997
In a letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright announces her intention to appoint a "special coordinator" for Tibet. (Tom Carter, "U.S. to Name Tibet Liaison, Albright Says," Washington Times, July 31, 1997, p. A13).
July 30, 1997
The State Department announces that it expects to issue a transit visa to the Republic of China's president, Lee Teng-hui. (Tom Carter, "U.S. to Name Tibet Liaison, Albright Says," Washington Times, July 31, 1997, p. A13).
August 8, 1997
Gen. Fu Quanyou, chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army, is greeted by JCS Chairman Gen. John Shalikashvili and meets with Secretary of Defense William Cohen in Washington. ("Chinese Military Chief Visits Cohen," Washington Post, August 9, 1997, p. A10).
August 12, 1997
National security adviser Sandy Berger meets with Jiang Zemin, PRC president and CCP general secretary, in preparation for Jiang's October visit to the United States. He also meets with Premier Li Peng and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen. (Steven Mufson, "Clinton Security Adviser, Chinese Leader Meet," Washington Post, August 13, 1997, p. A18).
August 15, 1997
The annual Arms and Control and Disarmament Agency report on compliance with arms control agreements concludes that, with respect to the PRC's May 11, 1996 pledge that it would not provide assistance to unsafeguarded nuclear plants, "Our current information does not provide a basis for concluding that China has acted consistently with that statement." The report goes on to state that "Questions remain about contacts between Chinese entities and elements associated with Pakistan's nuclear weapons program." (Bill Gertz, "Arms Agency Finds Beijing Broke Pledge," Washington Times, August 16, 1997, pp. A1, A4).
September 11, 1997
Clinton administration officials announce that the PRC has agreed to return to the United States a powerful supercomputer that was illegally transferred to the Changsha Institute of Science and Technology, which is run by the military, earlier in the year. The agreement was in response to complaints by Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and Commerce Department officials. (David E. Sanger, "China to Return Computer It Had Diverted to Military," New York Times, September 12, 1997, p. A10).
September 16, 1997
The government of the PRC rejects the plea of former party chief Zhao Ziyang that the party reverse its verdict that the June 1989 protests were a "counterrevolutionary rebellion." In a September 12 letter, Zhao had characterized the verdict as "baseless." (Steven Mufson, "Chinese Ex-Leader Zhao Surfaces, Urges Political Reform," Washington Post, September 16, 1997, p. A13; Jane Macartney, "China Sheds no Tears for Tiananmen," Washington Times, September 17, 1997, p. A14).
September 25, 1997
In Beijing, Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin meets with Deputy Premier Zhu Rongji to press for a reduction of the U.S. trade deficit with China, a further opening of Chinese markets to foreign goods and services, permitting the U.S. Customs Service to enforce a 1994 agreement by checking for goods produced by prison labor, and progress in human rights. (Steven Mufson, "Rubin Presses China to Ease Stance in Disputes with U.S.," Washington Post, September 26, 1997, p. A18).
October 8, 1997
Commerce Secretary William Daley, in Beijing, tells the PRC that the rapid growth in the U.S. trade deficit with China is "just unacceptable." China announces that it will shortly send a major buying mission to the United States. (Steven Mufson, "U.S. Says Trade Deficit Growth With China is 'Unacceptable'," Washington Post, October 9, 1997, p. A31).
October 16, 1997
China agrees to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group. (R. Jeffrey Smith, "Limits on Iran Ties Open Way for China to Buy U.S. Reactors," Washington Post, October 25, 1997, pp. A1, A13).
October 17, 1997
Clinton administration officials announce that the PRC has promised to end its sales of C-801 and C-802 anti-ship cruise missiles to Iran. (Steven Erlanger, "U.S. Says Chinese Will Stop Sending Missiles to Iran," New York Times, October 18, 1997, pp. A1, A8).
October 21, 1997
China announces that its nuclear cooperation with Iran has been halted because of "some disputes over the contract," according to a Foreign Ministry spokesman. The spokesman also expresses hope that progress can be made on U.S.-Chinese nuclear cooperation, which has been stalled since 1985 due to Chinese nuclear exports. ("China Cites Dispute with Iran in Bid for U.S. Nuclear Exports," Washington Times, October 22, 1997, p. A12).
October 24, 1997
In a speech to a small groups of Asia experts, that was also broadcast to a worldwide radio audience, President Clinton defends his policy of engagement with China. The speech briefly discusses issues human rights, trade, environmental protection, Chinese political liberalization, and U.S. security interests in Asia. He spells out a number of justifications for an engagement policy-including the value of Chinese cooperation in policing the post-Cold War world and non-proliferation efforts, that a peaceful Chinese role in resolving disputes is important to American allies, that China represents the richest potential market for American goods, and that China has a large role to play in protection of the environment. (John M. Broder, "Clinton Defends Engagement With China," New York Times, October 25, 1997, p. A6).
October 25, 1997
Chinese President Jiang Zemin says that China will sign the United Nations covenant on economic, social, and cultural rights, but will not release jailed dissidents, including Wei Jingsheng and Wang Den because they have broken criminal laws. He also expressed his hope that "Americans will understand that American democracy and freedom are not absolute concepts." (Steven Mufson, "Jiang Says China to Sign U.N. Charter on Rights," Washington Post, October 25, 1997, p. A13; Seth Faison, "Jiang Says U.S. Is Too Pushy for Democracy," New York Times, October 26, 1997, p. 10).
October 26, 1997
PRC President Jiang Zemin arrives in Hawaii for the beginning of a week-long state visit. (John Pomfret, "Jiang Seeks 'New Stage' In U.S. Ties," Washington Post, October 27, 1997, pp. A1, A18).
October 27, 1997
At the United Nations, the PRC signs the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Chinese envoy to the U.N., Qin Huasun, says his signing "manifested again the Chinese Government's firm commitment to the promotion of human rights both in China and in the world." ("China, at U.N., Signs a Major Rights Pact," New York Times, October 28, 1997, p. A12).
October 28-29, 1997
PRC President Jiang Zemin and President Clinton meet in Washington. The two presidents reach agreement in a variety of areas, including the establishment of an around-the-clock telephone line between Washington and Beijing, peaceful nuclear cooperation, China's ending nuclear aid to Iran, Chinese agreement to join the Information Technology Agreement, and military-to-military contacts. At a news conference they express differing views on China's human rights record. (Warren P. Strobel, "Clinton, Jiang Reach Nuclear Accord," Washington Times, October 30, 1997, pp. A1, A12; John F. Harris, "U.S.-China Pacts Reached in Shadow of Discord on Rights," Washington Post, October 30, 1997, pp. A1, A17; R. Jeffrey Smith, "China's Pledge to End Iran Nuclear Aid Yields U.S. Help," Washington Post, October 30, 1997, p. A15).
November 16, 1997
The PRC releases political prisoner Wei Jingsheng on medical parole and puts him on a plane for the United States. Wei, considered the foremost Chinese dissident, was at the top of the list of political prisoners whose release had been sought by the U.S. (Steven Mufson, "China Frees Foremost Dissident," Washington Post, November 16, 1997, pp. A1, A26).
December 12-13, 1997
At their first Defense Consultative Talks, U.S. and Chinese representatives agree to exchange information on the military role in relief missions. The PRC delegates, however, refuse to agree to the holding of joint exercises for relief assistance. The delegates also initial an agreement to minimize the risk of naval accidents in the Pacific. ("U.S.-China Pact Reached On Pacific Navy Contacts," New York Times, December 14, 1997, p. 6).
January 19, 1998
During a visit to China, Secretary of Defense William Cohen and Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian sign the Military Maritime Consultation Agreement, rules governing contacts between the countries' navies which are intended to help avoid unintended clashes. Cohen also receives a tour of the command center that monitors air and missile defenses within 200 miles around Beijing. Cohen and Chi also agree to schedule a series of reciprocal visits over the next year. (Steven Lee Myers, "U.S. Is Reviewing Ban on the Sale of Arms to China," New York Times, January 18, 1998, pp. 1, 6; Bill Gertz, "Cohen Signs, Hails Deal in China," Washington Times, January 19, 1998, pp. A1, A8; Steven Lee Myers, "Pentagon Chief Gets Tour of Key China Command Site," New York Times, January 20, 1998, p. A8).
January 20, 1998
At a news conference before departing Beijing, Secretary of Defense William Cohen says that he is satisfied that Beijing will not continue sales of anti-ship missiles to Iran. Cohen received promises from President Jiang Zemin and Defense Minister Chi Haotian that all new sales would be halted and that China would end transfers of related technology. (John Pomfret, "Cohen Hails Achievements In China Visit," Washington Post, January 20, 1998, pp. A11, A16; Bill Gertz, "Chinese President Vows to Halt Missiles to Iran," Washington Times, January 21, 1998, p. A9).
January 28, 1998
The United States announces that it will sell Taiwan Knox Class frigates, along with Phalan anti-aircraft guns and Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers. According to a Defense Department statement, sale of the frigates and weapons will allow Taiwan to modernize its naval forces and enhance its anti-submarine warfare capability. (James Peng, "Taiwanese Welcome Arms Deal," Washington Post, January 29, 1998, p. A28).
January 30, 1998
The State Department's annual human rights report notes that the PRC remains intolerant of political dissent. But it also states that "Chinese society continued to become more open and to diversify at a rapid pace." The report also states that "Average citizens go about their daily lives with more personal freedom than ever before. They also continued to enjoy a higher disposable income, looser economic controls, greater freedom of movement, increased access to outside sources of information, greater room for individual choice, and more diversity in cultural life." (Thomas W. Lippman, "China's Rights Record Improves in U.S. Report," Washington Post, January 31, 1998, p. A18).
February 14, 1998
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson fails to persuade China to support the U.S. threat to use force to punish Iraq for barring U.N. inspectors from suspected weapons sites. After the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen tells a news conference that "if force is used, it will inevitably cause serious consequences and significant casualties of innocent people and will not contribute to a solution of the question over weapons inspection." (Steven Mufson, "China Rejects U.S. Request to Back Iraq Strikes," Washington Post, February 15, 1998, p. A33).
February 24, 1998
The Taiwanese government receives a letter from the PRC, announcing its willingness to "discuss procedural matters regarding opening political talks across the Taiwan Strait," as well as resuming discussion of economic and political issues. The chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan describes the letter as "positive." Contacts had been cut by PRC in June 1995 in response to the visit to the U.S. by Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui. (Edward A. Gargan, "China Breaks the Ice to Offer Political Talks with Taiwan," New York Times, February 25, 1998, p. A6).
March 12, 1998
At a news conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen announces that China will sign the U.N.'s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and states "The Chinese Government has always attached great importance to international covenants on human rights." White House spokesman Mike McCurry calls the Chinese decision "a positive and constructive step forward." (Steven Mufson, "China Vows to Sign Human Rights Treaty, Hopes to Thwart U.S. Rebuke," Washington Post, March 13, 1998, p. A16; "On Even of Geneva Rights Talks, China Agrees to Sign U.N. Pact," New York Times, March 13, 1998, p. A8).
March 13, 1998
It is reported that weeks after the PRC pledged to halt assistance to Iran's nuclear programs, U.S. intelligence discovered and objected to secret negotiations between the PRC and Iran for hundreds of tons of material used in enriching uranium to weapons grade. According to Clinton Administration officials, only low-level Chinese officials were involved in the negotiations and senior Chinese officials halted the sale after being contacted by the U.S. It is also reported that U.S. officials, based on extraordinarily sensitive intelligence, have strong confidence that China is cutting off nuclear assistance to Iran. (Barton Gellman and John Pomfret, "U.S. Action Stymied China Sale to Iran," Washington Post, March 13, 1998, p. A1, A20; Philip Shenon, "Annual U.N. Ritual Condemning China Loses U.S. Support, New York Times, March 14, 1998, pp. A1, A5).
Senior Clinton administration officials tell the press that the United States will end its prolonged effort to get the U.N. to pass a resolution censuring China for human rights abuses. The officials cite the release of dissident Wei Jingsheng and the PRC's agreement to sign the U.N. international covenant on human rights. Officials also express confidence that China will shortly release prominent dissidents. One of China's critics, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.) calls the administration's decision "shameful." (John F. Harris and John Pomfret, "U.S. Won't Seek Censure Of China for Abuses," Washington Post, March 14, 1998, p. A20).
March 16, 1998
Jiang Zemin is re-elected president of the PRC by the National People's Congress. He is also re-elected to the chairmanship of the Central Military Commission. Li Peng, who served as prime minister for the maximum ten years, becomes chairman of the National People's Congress, and is replaced as prime minister by Zhu Rongji. ("Jiang Zemin Given 2d Term As China's Head of State," New York Times, March 16, 1998, p. A6; Erik Eckholm, "China Near Completion of Leadership Moves," New York Times, March 17, 1998 p. A6).
March 23-26, 1998
Acting Under Secretary of State John Holum and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Robert Einhorn hold talks in Beijing with Chinese officials to determine if the PRC would be willing to expand its 1994 pledge not to sell complete surface-to-surface missile systems to include transfers of cruise missiles and materials and technologies listed in the Missile Technology Control Regime's technical annex. ("U.S. Renews Effort to Bring China into Missile Control Regime," Arms Control Today, March 1998, p. 22).
March 30, 1998
The U.S.-PRC nuclear cooperation agreement, signed in 1985, goes into effect. ("U.S. Renews Effort to Bring China into Missile Control Regime," Arms Control Today, March 1998, p. 22).
April 19, 1998
Dissident Wang Dan, a leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy movement, is released before the conclusion of his 11-year sentence, which he received in October 1996. Wang leaves China for the United States on medical parole. (Andrew Browne, "China Flees Dissident Wang Dan," Washington Post, April 19, 1998, p. A26).
April 29-30, 1998
Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright visits Beijing for meetings with senior PRC officials. At a joint news conference with the Chinese Foreign Minister, she states that the PRC has been more cooperative with the U.S., but also notes differences with respect to human rights, Tibet, and Chinese exports of sensitive chemical and missile technology to Iran and Pakistan. (Steven Erlanger, "U.S. and China Gain Rapport, Albright Says, New York Times, April 30, 1998, p. A16).
May 15, 1998
It is reported that Democratic fund-raiser Johnny Chung told federal investigators that he provided tens of thousands of dollars to President Clinton's 1996 election campaign from a officer in the People's Liberation Army, and that the officer was the daughter of Gen. Liu Huaqing. At the time, Gen. Liu was China's senior military officer and chairman of the Central Military Commission. It is subsequently reported that Gen. Liu's daughter is a member of the PLA Military Intelligence Department and the department provided her with more than $300,000, $100,000 of which went to Democratic causes, including $80,000 to the Democratic National Committee. (Jeff Gerth, "Democrat Fund-Raiser Said to Detail China Tie," New York Times, May 15, 1998, pp. A1, A20; Eric Schmitt and Don Van Natta Jr., "Republicans Ask Clinton to Show Donations Didn't Breach Security," New York Times, May 16, 1998, pp. A1, A11).
May 21, 1998
The House of Representatives votes 412 to 6 to bar exports of missile technology to the PRC and 364 to 54 to bar satellite exports. The vote follows revelations that President Clinton reversed an October 1995 decision by then- Secretary of State Warren Christopher not to transfer approval authority for Chinese launches of U.S. satellites from an interagency review group (including Defense Department and the intelligence community) to the Commerce Department, and that a Pentagon report claimed that actions by Loral Space and Communication to improve China's satellite launch capability harmed U.S. national security. There are also accusations that the contributions from Loral's chairman to the Democratic Party may have influenced President Clinton's decision. (Eric Schmitt, "House Votes to Prohibit Satellite Exports to China," New York Times, May 21, 1998, pp. A1, A26).
June 3, 1998
President Clinton renews China's normal trading status (formerly known as most-favored-nation status). (Peter Baker and Helen Dewar, "Clinton Renews China's Trade Status; Cites Nuclear Issue," Washington Post, June 4, 1998, p. A4).
June 12, 1998
Gordon Oehler, former director of the ClA's Nonproliferation Center, tells the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Clinton administration policymakers used "almost any measure" to block intelligence judgments that China transferred M-11 missiles to Pakistan. Acceptance of such judgments would automatically require the U.S. to invoke economic sanctions. (Bill Gertz, "CIA Analyst Says U.S. Winked at Cheating," Washington Times, June 12, 1998, pp. A1, A14).
President Clinton defends his China policy as "principled and pragmatic." In an address to the National Geographic Society, the president argues that "seeking to isolate China will not free one more political dissident" but will "limit our ability to advance human rights and religious and political freedom." He also states that his administration's engagement policy has produced benefits, including the recent release of several prominent dissidents, and a pledge by China to end the sale of nuclear technology and anti-ship missiles to Iran. (John M. Broder, "Clinton Defends Trip to China and Policy of 'Engagement'," New York Times, June 12, 1998, p. A8).
June 16, 1998
Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright acknowledges concern by the Clinton administration about new reports of the possible Chinese sale of missile technology to Iran. The reports indicate that the PRC was considering the sale of missile telemetry equipment-used in missile testing to Iran. (Bill Gertz, "Clinton to Discuss Missiles in China, Washington Times, June 17, 1998, pp. A1, A14).
June 23, 1998
PRC Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan calls on President Clinton to make a public statement during his upcoming state visit restating U.S. opposition to any movement toward independence by Taiwan. He also calls on the U.S. to halt sales of advanced weaponry like fighter planes and defensive missiles to Taiwan. (Erick Eckholm, "Clinton Is Pressed on 'One China' Policy," New York Times, June 23, 1998, p. A10).
June 27, 1998
President Clinton arrives in China for a nine-day state visit, being officially welcomed at Tiananmen Square. At a news conference several hours later, he condemns the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrators in 1989. He observes that "I believe, and the American people believe, that freedom of speech, association, and religion . . . are the right of people everywhere and should be protected by their governments." (John F. Harris, "Clinton Welcomed at Tiananmen," Washington Post, June 27, 1998, pp. A1, A22).
June 29, 1998
Commerce Secretary William M. Daley and Zeng Peiyan, chairman of the China State Planning Commission, announce $1.6 billion worth of new trade and investment deals between the U.S. and China-which is reported to be far less than American business executives were expecting a few months earlier. Included among the announced deals are plans by the China enterprises to buy $425 million worth of fertilizer from several U.S. firms, ten Boeing 737s for $400 million, and $160 million worth of turbines from General Electric. (Laurence Zuckerman, "$1.6 Billion in Deals Can't Mask U.S. Disappointment," New York Times, June 30, 1998, p. A10).
June 30, 1998
While in Shanghai, President Clinton reports that he told Chinese President Jiang Zemin that the U.S. did not support independence for Taiwan, or two Chinas, or one Taiwan and one China. In addition, he says that he told the PRC president that he did not believe that Taiwan should be a member in any organization for which statehood is a requirement. (Warren P. Strobel, "Clinton Clarifies U.S. Position on Taiwan's Status," Washington Times, July 1, 1998, pp. A1, A10).
July 9, 1998
Following up on President Clinton's statement that the U.S. opposes an independent Taiwan, the PRC urges Taiwan to "face reality" and agree to talks on eventual reunification with China. Taiwan announces that it has agreed to a visit by a senior PRC negotiator to prepare for resumption of high-level talks after a three-year hiatus. (John Pomfret, "China Tells Taiwan to 'Face Reality'," Washington Post, July 10, 1998, p. A28).
July 11, 1998
Nine Chinese dissidents who attempted to establish an opposition party, the China Democracy Party, are reported to have been arrested in the past few days. The police are reported to have confiscated notebooks, tapes, at least one computer, and CDP literature. ("China Detains 9 Dissidents Who Sought to Form a Party," New York Times, July 12, 1998, p. 3).
July 21, 1998
A CIA report states that China continued to supply missile and poison gas technology, as well as advanced conventional arms, to Iran, and missile technology to Pakistan. According to the report, Iran was provided with chemical warfare material to supplement its stocks of blister, blood, and choking agents. It describes PRC support to the Pakistani weapons of mass destruction program as "extensive." (Bill Gertz, "Beijing Continued Arms Sales to Pakistan, Iran Last Year," Washington Times, July 22, 1998, pp. A1, A18).
The House of Representatives passes a resolution 390-1, similar to a resolution passed by the Senate by a 92-0 margin, which reaffirms U.S. expectations that "the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should determine their own future" through peaceful means. (Mary Ann Akers, "House Affirms U.S. Support for Taiwan and Its Residents," Washington Times, July 21, 1998, p. A4).
July 22, 1998
The House of Representatives approves, by a margin of 264-166, President Clinton's renewal of "normal trading status" for the PRC. The vote defeats a measure that would have cut off favorable tariffs and trade conditions. (Nancy E. Roman, "Normal Trade for Beijing Survives," Washington Times, July 23, 1998, pp. A1, A16).
July 27, 1998
At a conference in Manila, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright protests to the Chinese Foreign Minister the PRC's recent arrest of dissidents following President Clinton's state visit. At a news conference, Albright says that "I made quite clear that arresting people is not the way we see follow-through." (Philip Shenon, "Albright Rebukes Chinese on Arrest of Dissidents," New York Times, July 28, 1998, p. A6).
September 3, 1998
According to a report by Amnesty International, relying on Chinese news media accounts, the number of executions in China in 1997 appeared to have dropped significantly from 1996-from 4,367 to 3,000. (Elisabeth Rosenthal, "Number of Executions in China Seems to Decline, Rights Group Says," New York Times, September 4, 1998, p. A3).
September 15, 1998
In Washington, Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen receives pledges from General Zhang Wannian, senior vice chairman of the PRC Central Military Commission, that China will move forward with modest joint military exercises and exchanges in 1999. Cohen announces that in 1999, PLA officers will take part in exercises simulating military responses to natural disasters or humanitarian crises and will send a navy ship to visit the United States. Cohen and Zhang also announce a series of exchanges of military students and officers. ("China Military Chief Gives Pledges to U.S.," New York Times, September 16, 1998, p. A8).
October 5, 1998
At the United Nations, the PRC signs the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, one of the two key international human rights accords (China has already signed the other-the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights-but has not yet ratified it). The civil and political rights accord calls for freedom of expression and religion. ("As China Signs Rights Treaty, It Holds Activist," New York Times, October 6, 1998, p. A13).
October 18, 1998
The PRC and Taiwan hold their high-level meeting as a Taiwanese negotiator meets with Jiang Zemin. At a meeting earlier in the day with former PRC Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, the ROC representative said that Taiwan would consider reuniting with China only if it adopted a democratic form of government. (John Pomfret, "Taiwanese Negotiator, Jiang Meet in Beijing," Washington Post, October 19, 1998, p. A15).
November 5, 1998
The PRC objects to a planned visit to Taiwan by Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington tells reporters that "We oppose any official contacts between Taiwan and other governments . . . We do not accept it." (H. Josef Hebert, "Richardson's Taiwan Trip under Fire," Washington Times, November 6, 1998, p. A13).
November 12, 1998
At a meeting in Beijing with senior PLA officials, John Holum, under secretary of state for international security, protests the Chinese sale of missile telemetry equipment to Iran as well as the PRC failure to join the Missile Technology Control Regime, telling PLA Deputy Chief of Staff, Gen. Xiong Guangkai, that "studying the MTCR is not the same as joining the MTCR." (Bill Gertz, "U.S. Protests China Arms Move," Washington Times, December 7, 1998, pp. A1, A8).
December 1, 1998
Taiwan confirms that it is negotiating with the United States for the purchase of four Aegis destroyers as part of its effort to upgrade its missile defense capabilities against the PRC. In Beijing, a Foreign Ministry spokesman tells reporters that "We seriously oppose the United States selling weapons to Taiwan." (John Pomfret, "Taiwanese Seek U.S. Destroyers," Washington Post, December 2, 1998, p. A37).
Two prominent Chinese dissidents-Xu Wenli and Qin Yongmin-are arrested on criminal charges, apparently as a result of their attempt to form the China Democratic Party. (Elisabeth Rosenthal, "2 in Would-Be Opposition Party Arrested in Chinese Crackdown," New York Times, December 2, 1998, pp. A1, A6).
December 21, 1998
After a trial that lasts less than three hours, a Chinese court sentences dissident Xu Wenli to 13 years in jail for "inciting the overthrow of state power"-his attempt to establish an opposition party, the China Democracy Party. Another court hands down 11- and 12-year sentences for other dissidents. (John Pomfret, "Chinese Dissident Gets 13-Year Jail Sentence," Washington Post, December 21, 1998, p. A21; John Pomfret, "Sentences Are Swift for 3 Chinese Activists," Washington Post, December 22, 1998, pp. A1, A26).
December 31, 1998
In its secret, 700-page report, the House Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with the People's Republic of China, concludes that over the last two decades China has obtained, sometimes via theft, sensitive U.S. military technology, including nuclear weapons design information. The report makes 38 recommendations, including recommendations concerning security at weapons laboratories, the handling of sensitive intelligence, and export controls. (Jeff Gerth and Eric Schmitt, "House Panel Says Chinese Obtained U.S. Arms Secrets," New York Times, October 31, 1998, pp. A1, A22).
January 21, 1999
A Shanghai court sentences Lin Hal, an Internet entrepreneur, to two years in jail for committing "a subversive act" by providing 30,000 Chinese e-mail addresses to VIP Reference, a U.S.-based electronic publication produced by democracy advocates. (Seth Faison, "E-Mail to U.S. Lands Chinese Internet Entrepreneur in Jail," New York Times, January 21, 1999, p. A10).
February 8, 1999
In a report to Congress, the CIA states that "during the first half of 1998, China continued to take steps to strengthen its control over nuclear exports," and "promulgated new export control regulations in June 1998 that cover the sale of dual-use nuclear equipment." The report also notes that "Chinese entities provided a variety of missile-related items and assistance to several countries of proliferation concern" and "sought to supply Iran and Syria with CW-related chemicals during the reporting period." (DCI Nonproliferation Center, Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 1998, February 8, 1999, pp. 6-7).
February 25, 1999
A Defense Department report to Congress, The Security Situation in the Taiwan Strait, states that increases in China's short-range ballistic missiles and their deployment in eastern and southern China will, by 2005, give the PRC an "overwhelming advantage in offensive missiles"an advantage that "will not [be] sufficiently offset" by Taiwan's missile defense programs. The missiles would be most likely used against Taiwanese air defense facilities, airfields, command and control infrastructure, and naval facilities. (Department of Defense, The Security Situation in the Taiwan Strait, February 25, 1999, p. 23).
February 26, 1999
In its annual human rights report, the State Department severely criticizes the PRC's human rights performance in 1998. The report accuses the PRC leadership of having broken its promises to comply with international human rights conventions, and criticizes its attempt to "to nip in the bud" attempts to form democratic parties. According to the report, the PRC continues to hold several thousand political and religious prisoners, tortures prisoners, suppresses Chinese of minority faiths, and has imposed new press restrictions. (Elizabeth Becker, "In a Stiff Rebuke, U.S. Accuses China of Abusing Rights," New York Times, February 27, 1999, pp. A1, A6).
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