Sino-American Relations

We have been greatly shocked and saddened by your article “China Seen Using Close U.S. Ties for Espionage” (Part I, Nov. 20), which is not only a complete distortion of facts, but also a most blatant insult to the consulate general of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese students and business representatives, as well as members of the Chinese community and American friends who have business contacts with China.

The establishment of the consulate general of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles is considered by many people as a positive step in the development of the Sino-U.S. relations and the outcome of joint efforts of the Chinese and American governments and peoples, and has been warmly received by the people of Southern California.

The newly opened consulate has spared no efforts to promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries. What we have done is widely appreciated. All the consular activities have been open, normal and legitimate.

The Chinese students in California, like the American students in China, are studying hard. They are part of the cultural and educational exchanges. The Chinese business people here, like the American businessmen in China, are making efforts to strengthen trade relations which benefit not only China, but also the United States.

As for members of the Chinese communities, their contributions to U.S. society are known to all. The Chinese government has always encouraged them to be good citizens of the United States, and to live in harmony with the American people.

Denying all these hard facts and labeling all these people as suspects of espionage is extremely irresponsible and unfair. Such allegations could not be accepted by all those who uphold justice.

Regrettably, the article is targeted broadly at so many people who have done a great deal to promote friendship between China and the U.S. To do so is going against an irresistible trend conducive both to our two peoples and to world peace.

While expressing our deepest regret over the publication of the article, the consulate general wishes to assure all our friends that we will continue to strengthen the close ties existing between the two countries.

YE DABO

Vice Consul, Press Secretary (On behalf of the Consulate General) People’s Republic of China

Los Angeles