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20 Oct 1997 editorial Moving the discourse to a new plateau of understanding Jiang Zemin predicts great things from the upcoming summit, saying it will herald a "new stage of growth" for relations between the two countries. Relations have been strained in past years over various issues, and it would appear the two governments would like to arrive at an agreeable resolution or at least not allow them to sour cooperation on economic and strategic matters. China for its part has sent a trade delegation ahead of Jiang's arrival on Sunday in Honolulu. It will likely culminate in a spending spree, awarding contracts worth millions to US companies. On the formal political level Jiang is reportedly set to propose a new strategic relationship with the US, akin to the one formalized last spring in Moscow between him and Boris Yeltsen. Beijing would like to rekindle 'traditional' friendly ties with the US, and such language is descriptive of Beijing's diplomatic speak; in Asia, of course, the 'traditional' tends to point to histories stretching centuries in the past. But a number of issues will still dog the president of China. Groups are poised for a vocal show down with his tour, as it meanders a course across the country. Those calling for China's government to reform policies which deny people their human rights have found common cause with those focused on Tibet and Tiananmen; and as Jiang visits the White House, they will be established across the street to remind him of the unsettled ghosts which still lurk in the shadows. In Hollywood Tibet is cast in similar light. Of course nothing is ever what it seams, at least as far press reports are concerned. Complexity reigns over such an important relationship, and numerous lesser agreements and announcements will be lost to the larger issues of the day. Depending on who you are, the issues will orbit around a universe of weapons proliferation, market reforms, human rights and so on. But while we are sure President Jiang is brushing up on his English, we wonder how many non-ethnic Chinese in this country could utter just a mere greeting in his tongue. This is the story which will likely not be reported. As the efforts of those camped across the White House serve one purpose, the solution to the issues for which they stand will not be political as much as it will initially be intellectual. And unfortunately, we would suggest, in this regard the US looms larger in the ambit of Chinese students, than China does in ours. The point is not to pooh-pooh those who would protest or to defend indefensible policies; nor are we retreating from prior stances on human rights, for any long-time reader would understand our position is clear and correct on this. But we might suggest that as members of a society which reaches for such noble ideals of liberty and democracy, we should also guard against fixating our gaze in a narcissistic mirror and instead, armed with artistic flare and scientific skepticism, launch out to investigate the philosophies, histories and esthetics of another society. Numerous individuals and groups in the US are striving to do this. In Philadelphia high schools are forging relationships pregnant with possibilities for youngsters there and their comrades in Shanghai. In Grinnell, Iowa (population 8,900) a college administers a well-endowed program for nurturing faculty exchanges, a Nanjing teaching fellowship for graduates, and a Chinese department, as well as eclectic holdings in Chinese texts and art. And the examples from across the land go on . . . But it does not go as far as mainstream 'conventional wisdom' and media or the speeches of our political leaders. When was the last time The New Republic examined an issue through the eyes of Confucius? How often does USA Today feature an in-depth story on China's geography? Predictions planted by Beijing portend of healthy developments in Sino-US relations, and we are glad to hear this. But we are afraid the main measure of these developments will be counted in the limited, but important, realm of economic and political affairs. It is time for us to move the discourse to yet another plateau of intellectual understanding. To do this will be remarkable in itself, and to achieve this without compromising our integrity in the process will test the strength of our ideals. See also China Daily ( President's visit to US to enhance friendship ) China Daily ( Jumbo mission to spend billions ) SCMP ( Jiang seeks 'new growth' on US visit ) SCMP ( Clinton urged to raise fears over organ sales ) SCMP ( Human rights on White House agenda ) SCMP ( Leader sad that never the Twain shall meet )

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