U.S. Relations With China

Richard Reeves’ “Preaching Won’t Convert the Chinese” (Commentary, Oct. 31) shows he has little knowledge of Chinese history before the 19th century.

He wrote that China has an “unfathomable pride in a history that enshrines the worst kinds of cruelty.” If he knows anything about Chinese history, he would know there were never any links between effective governing and authoritarianism or between the prosperous state of the nation and xenophobic sentiment. Most golden periods in Chinese history were established by rulers who were known for their leniency toward their subjects and openness toward the outside world. For Chinese communists to say authoritarianism is the only way to govern China is an insult to anyone who knows anything about Chinese history. For Westerners, such as Reeves, to buy the theory just shows their ignorance.

Reeves also wrote, “The Chinese communists . . . have united China as it never had been united.” China has been united, divided and united again many times since the First Emperor of Chin (246-214 BC). Today’s China is within the boundaries the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) established, only smaller.

JASMINE KUNG

Anaheim

* Republican politicians are trying as usual to damn the Clinton administration for dealing with China, based on human rights conditions within China.

However, it is and was those same Republicans who applauded and still praise mightily Richard Nixon for opening China at a time when human rights were much worse than they are now.

J. S. GREENBERG

Newport Beach

* When I saw the caption on the front page picture, “China in a Bull Shop” (Nov. 1), I assumed that Jiang Zemin had visited the U.S. Congress. Oh, the Stock Exchange--not nearly as funny.

JACK WRIGHT

Marina del Rey

* America, home of the free, land of the brave. It’s time to face reality. When President Clinton sparred with President Jiang over human rights, how could any grown-up believe it was true. The performance was not very convincing and more and more Clinton appears to be leading America in Jiang’s direction.

What these two are really trading upon is greed, and Clinton is counting on a booming economy for his place in history. But these actions could be very costly in the long run. Our democracy was built on personal freedom, honesty and sound character--something Jiang doesn’t understand and Clinton has forgotten.

LORRAINE NORTON

Manhattan Beach

* Re “Computer Sale to Russia Weapons Lab Probed,” Oct. 29:

U.S. State Department spokesman James P. Rubin said: “Assisting Russia to maintain the reliability of its nuclear weapons is contrary to U.S. policy.” President Jiang in effect says: “Assisting the U.S. to maintain the reliability of democracy advocate Wei Jingsheng and student leader Wang Dan revolting against our socialist government is contrary to China’s policy.”

What’s the sovereign independent difference, Mr. Clinton? Are revolutionaries less dangerous than computers?

CHARLES F. DAY

Laguna Niguel