More Sweet than Sour

Zhao's visit strengthens Sino-American relations

Dapper and perhaps bemused, the guest of honor stood quietly through the welcoming din. Before him on the White House lawn, a fife-and-drum corps stepped loudly and flawlessly through its paces. In the distance, a knot of pro-Taiwanese demonstrators chanted protests against his presence. Thus in noisy, if peculiarly democratic fashion did the U.S. capital greet Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang. Zhao, the highest-ranking Peking official ever to visit the U.S.,* had come to shore up a wobbly relationship. Said Zhao at the White House ceremony: "I come as...

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!