Li Peng in Moscow to Relieve Tensions

Chinese Premier Li Peng arrived today for the first visit in 26 years by a Chinese head of government to the Soviet Union, China’s longtime rival for leadership of the Communist world.

The four-day trip is to promote normal relations and ease border tensions at a time when both countries are confronted with serious domestic problems.

The 61-year-old premier was expected to hold at least two rounds of talks with President Mikhail S. Gorbachev, who last May went to China in the first visit by a Soviet leader in three decades.

“Li’s visit to the U.S.S.R. underscores the importance of continuing the Sino-Soviet dialogue at the summit level, which began a year ago and signaled the normalization of relations,” Tass press agency said.

Li was met at the airport by Premier Nikolai I. Ryzhkov and Foreign Minister Eduard A. Shevardnadze.

“I will be exchanging views with President Gorbachev, Chairman Ryzhkov and other comrades from the Soviet leadership on matters concerning bilateral relations and on major international issues of common concern,” Li said at the airport.

Tass said Ryzhkov and Peng began meeting today but did not report what they were discussing.

Gorbachev’s historic visit to China was overshadowed by student-led pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing, which ended weeks later when Li and other Chinese leaders sent in troops to crush the movement.

In Moscow, Gorbachev is contending with the crisis in Lithuania, which declared independence March 11.

The official Chinese press, before Li’s departure, said his trip would have “profound significance” on peace in Asia and the world.