The Press SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1971. Visit to Peking

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 16

The Press SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1971. Visit to Peking

The prospect of a meeting between President Nixon and the leaders of the People’s Republic of China has, for the most part, been hailed all over the world as a favourable and hopeful sign. Only some of China’s close neighbours have so far been notably reserved in their comments. Taiwan, not unexpectedly, has protested at once to the United States Government; but President Nixon obviously will not allow this to stand in the way of his wider objects. While he is unlikely to abandon support for the Nationalist Chinese, he made it clear in his television broadcast that whether Taiwan remains a friend of the United States is for Taiwan itself to decide.

Although the speed with which the visit has been arranged is welcome evidence that long-held diplomatic attitudes can sometimes be changed with spectacular speed, it is also clear that China is not yet ready to receive the American President. While it is likely that some time will be needed to modify public attitudes in China towards the United States Government, the suggestion that the visit will not be made until, perhaps, April next year, implies that Mr Nixon’s emissary, Dr Kissinger, gave some firm undertaking about the American role in the Vietnam war. There will be much speculation about the Russian reaction to Mr Nixon’s initiative—for it is undoubtedly his. Public opinion in Communist countries—such as it is—can certainly be persuaded to adjust itself quickly to unpredictable changes in their governments’ international relationships. In spite of the long history of dispute and recrimination between Russia and China, a workable understanding between the two rivals for Communist leadership might be reached much more readily than any agreement between Washington and Peking. Mr Nixon's approach to China has already taken more than two years; only now does the time seem ripe to begin talking about talking. China’s entry to the United Nations and wider diplomatic recognition of China both seem closer as a result of Dr Kissinger’s visit to Peking. Like Mr Nixon’s acceptance of the Chinese invitation, these can only be welcomed. Whether smaller countries like the idea or not, better relations between the United States and China are vital to world peace. The secret talks in Peking last week must be rated as the most important diplomatic event of the year. They bring fresh hope to a world that has long been weary of international distrust and hostility.