Published by: World Tibet Network News Monday, October 27th 1997

The Telegraph Monday 27 October 1997

By Hugh Davies in Washington

AS the Chinese president arrived in Hawaii yesterday to begin his state visit to America, the United States Secretary of State tried to rebut criticism that the Clinton administration had helped him to create "a warm and fuzzy" image of the Beijing regime.

Madeleine Albright said Jiang Zemin would "not have a totally fuzzy time" in his trip. It includes a 21-gun salute at the White House, a tour of Pearl Harbour, a fife and drum welcome at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, and visits to the New York Stock Exchange and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

Mrs Albright said the sites were not chosen by the White House. "This was not our itinerary, it was theirs." She said: "I think the American people are pretty smart about sorting out what is what . . . I think that it is important for him actually to see where our liberty came from. And it's important for us to explain our democracy at the same time that he explains his system."

She forcefully rejected a statement by Mr Jiang as he left Beijing that US efforts to impose its political principles on China were unfair. Mr Jiang said that a speech on Friday by President Clinton was fine in detailing a spirit of co-operation. But he appeared upset at the President's affirmation that he would press China to open up its political system.

He said: "Trying to impose a uniform system of democracy everywhere, that in itself is not democratic. I hope Americans will understand that American democracy and freedom are not absolute concepts." Mrs Albright said: "I don't think it is a Western concept and that we're too pushy about it. I don't believe you can ever be too pushy about democracy."

Mr Jiang was asked how he would cope with the many demonstrations planned by critics as diverse as unions upset about losing jobs to China to Richard Gere's "stateless dinner" for Tibetan exiles. He replied: "I was invited by President Clinton, so it will be up to the United States to handle these events."

Mrs Albright said there was no question about Washington being concerned about human rights in China, but it was vital to have a "multi-faceted relationship" with a "huge country that has tremendous influence regionally and globally".

She said: "He's a guy that's just had a pretty good success at his party congress. He is someone who has had a long interest in the US. He actually sings American songs and he quotes Jefferson and Lincoln. But he is a firm leader of a country of 1.2 billion people, so he is here for a serious summit, which is what we intend to have."

The centre piece of Wednesday's White House summit is a deal that would clear the way for Mr Clinton to approve the first export of advanced US nuclear reactor technology to China, setting the stage for American firms to make huge profits by selling power plants. Experts say the Chinese market is worth as much as $50 billion (£31 billion).

Administration officials say a last-minute agreement has been reached in which China is providing "very firm, clear and explicit assurances" that Beijing will no longer assist Iran in developing its nuclear power plan. Washington has long been worried that Iran is using its civilian programme as a cover to develop the expertise for making atomic weapons. It is also pressing China to halt sales of cruise missiles. Mrs Albright said Mr Jiang would have to offer "clear and unequivocal" assurances about ending ties with Iran.