Nation: Making Friends in Peking

China's leaders welcome Brzezinski's anti-Soviet message

Last one to the top fights the Russians in Ethiopia!" ebulliently shouted U.S. National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski last week as he led his Chinese hosts on an impromptu foot race at the Great Wall. He won, then stood next to a group of bemused Chinese sailors to have his picture taken. "Do you know you are posing with an imperialist?" he joked. Not so, said the well-coached sailors. "We are having a photograph taken with the polar-bear tamer."

The sailors' response was intended to reflect China's priorities in foreign affairs these days, and it typified...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!