Chinese Vice Premier Teng Hsiao-ping’s call to Americans on his current Washington visit to be wary of the Soviet Union’s global strategy dovetailed with the Pentagon’s latest public assessment of Moscow’s activities in the Middle East.
Both Teng and the Pentagon go farther than President Carter or National Security Council chairman Zbigniew Brzezinski or Secretary of State Cyrus Vance in their discussions of the Middle East and Soviet policy.
Teng seems to suggest, although in veiled language, that the U.S. bolster its Middle East position, particularly by strengthening Israel as a strategic asset to America. His position was indicated in his interview with Time magazine when he replied to a question on Soviet “hegemony.”
“I suppose that you have already read the letter of 170 retired American generals and admirals,” Teng said. “I have read it myself and I very much approve of that letter. Those generals have already retired but they are concerned and that means that the situation is indeed not tranquil.” His answer referred to the assertions last month by retired top U.S. military leaders warning of Soviet policy and specifically affirming Israel as a strategic asset to the U.S.
CONDITION FOR IMPROVED RELATIONS
In a more specific reference to Israel, Chai Tse-min, the chief representative in Washington of the People’s Republic of China, indicated that the Peking government will withhold improved relations with Israel until the Palestinian situation is resolved. Chai, who is chief of the Chinese liaison mission and is expected to be named China’s first ambassador,
Wolff raised the question of China’s relations with Israel after Teng had not mentioned the subject in his appearance before the full committee at the Capitol. Wolff observed to Chai that since China is so disturbed by its view of Soviet global hegemony why is Peking not equally disturbed about Soviet hegemony in the Middle East where it supports foes of Israel.
Chai’s response, through an interpreter, was that the Israeli-Palestinian matter was like Peking’s situation with Taiwan. Vigorously dissenting from Chai’s explanation, Wolff pointed out the historic aspects of Israel as a nation and Chai agreed to meet with him again in the near future to discuss the Middle East situation.
Meanwhile, it was reported here today that Defense Secretary Harold Brown will leave next week for a 10-day trip to Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He is expected to discuss regional security in light of the events in Iran, new air bases Israel will need following its proposed withdrawal from Sinai under a peace agreement with Egypt, and other Mideast issues. Brown had been due to go to the Mideast last year as a follow up to the Camp David accords. That trip was postponed after Israel and Egypt failed to sign a peace treaty.
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