CHINA: China, the recipient of massive aid...

CHINA: China, the recipient of massive aid from the Soviet Union before the two nations’ bitter estrangement in 1960, is offering to help the troubled Soviet economy with “commodity loans.” The offer of the loans is only one example of the recently increased pace of Sino-Soviet rapprochement, which began with the renewal of their official relations during Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev’s visit almost two years ago. This week, during a visit by Defense Minister Dmitri Yasov, the two communist giants are expected to take another step toward closer ties by sealing an arms deal in which the Soviet Union would earn badly needed cash by selling China a dozen Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets and possibly other military technology.