Date: 1981-04-08
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. on March 21. 1981. our distinguished colleague. Senator JOHN GLENN. addressed the American Assembly Conference on the future of relations between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China. I call the attention of my colleagues to this address because I consider it to be one of the most realistic and thoughtful analyses of a relationship which is of significant importance to this Nation. Senator GLENN noted: I am optimistic that the 80s will witness great advancements in U.S.-P.R.C. relations. Our common interests are many. and closer cooperation betweeir us can go far toward ensuring global stability. That is why no peaceseeking nation need fear anl enhanced SinoAmerican relationship. I found Senator GLENNS views on the possible security aspects of this relationship to be particularly valuable. He pointed out: We must concentrate on the long runand resist the temptation to act impulsively for shortterm tactical advantage. Twisting the Polar Bears tail just to watch him jump is dangerous. as well as counterproductive. And it is folly to think that our China connection can somehow be used to dissuade the Soviets from specific actions. particularly when they believe that Important national interests are at stake. It was for this same reason that. on "Face the Nation" Sunday. I was critical of comments raising the possibility of providing conventional arms to China if the Soviets were to invade Poland. In my response to aquestion concerning the Secretarys comments. I pointed out:. I think that we ought to do whats in the best interest of the United States in the short run. and In the long run. If two weeks ago. a month ago. if six weeks ago it would have been in the best interests of the United States to provide arms to China. thats per. haps what we ought to do. but I dont think that ours ought to be a policy of simple reaction here . . . If the Soviets go into Poland. we will sell arms to China. I think we best be very careful that we dont leave the idipression with Peoples Republio of China that were simply out to use the Chinese. As one who had stated early on that perhaps the United States ough.t to consider some military sales of conventional weapons to the Peoples Republic of China. I agree with Senator GLENNS assessment that: America should slowly anI with great care begin to expand its military and security relations with China. Now let me be clear. I do not foreseeand do not proposeany sort of. military alliance between our two countries. I strongly believe that it Is In our interest and in the interests of our allies to ensure that China is not intimidated or threatened by growing Soviet power In Asia. Beijing has Opted for a gradual and measured modernization of its military forces. That is wise and proper. T specific instances. however. we may wish to make available selected technologies so that China neither falls further behind the Soviets. nor Is forced to cloak Its deficiencies behind a facade of xenophobic selfreliance. Senator GLENNS speech is a constructive assessment of all aspects of our relations with the Peoples Republic of China. I commend him for his. significant contribution to a vital area of our foreign policy concerns. I ask unanimous consent that Senator GLENNS speech be printed In the RECORD.