Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Dark Clouds Overwhelm the City

During my ten years as foreign minister, the most difficult period for China's diplomacy was the period from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.At that time, the international situation changed suddenly, Western governments announced sanctions on China one after another, and various political forces set off waves of anti-China waves in the world for various purposes.From June 5 to July 15, 1989, in just over a month, the United States, Japan, the European Community, and the Summit of the Seven Western Countries issued statements one after another, suspending the exchange of visits with the Chinese leadership and stopping the visits to China. Arms sales and commercial arms exports, delaying new loans from international financial institutions to China.For a while, there were lightning flashes and thunder, and dark clouds rolled over, quite like "black clouds overwhelm the city and want to destroy it".Under the direct leadership of Comrade Deng Xiaoping, we dared to fight and were good at responding. We quickly broke all kinds of Western sanctions and contained the wave of anti-China.

History has proved that the Great Wall of China is indestructible. The rain is coming In April and May of 1989, Beijing was in the season of warm spring and flowers blooming.However, this spring, there seems to be a restlessness in the air, and there is a faint feeling of uneasiness in people's hearts, as if something big is about to happen. China's diplomacy is still going on normally. In late May, after seeing off Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, I visited as planned. The first stop was Ecuador, I stopped in Mexico to Cuba, and the last stop was the United States. Since China does not have direct flights to Latin America, I left Beijing on May 31 by China Airlines, via the United States, and then transferred to Ecuador on June 2.When I transited through the United States, I was well received by the American side.Because of attending the United Nations General Assembly every year, the US security personnel are already very familiar with it. From entry to exit, they have been guarding 24 hours a day.When leaving the country, the American personnel even bid me farewell, saying goodbye in a few days.Unexpectedly, the situation took a turn for the worse and even canceled the visit to the United States.

On the second day after arriving in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, that is, on the afternoon of June 3 (that is, the morning of the 4th Beijing time), the local TV channel began to repeatedly broadcast the pictures and reports of the so-called "Tiananmen Incident" provided by media such as CNN and BBC. It rolls out every 10 minutes.At that time, we did not receive any news from China.The overseas Chinese in Ecuador changed their friendly and enthusiastic attitude in the past, and they all put on a straight face and asked what happened in our country.The atmosphere became tense and dignified.

At this time, it was very difficult to communicate with the country.After many efforts, we finally got a phone call with Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Nan to understand the basic situation.A day later, I received the relevant announcement from China. On June 4, in the port city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, I held an impromptu press conference and a symposium for overseas Chinese, answering questions from all parties one by one, emphasizing that China's reform and opening up policies have not changed and will not Change.The local media have made a lot of reports on this, and most of the news agencies have also released news, believing that the Chinese Foreign Minister did not evade the question, and the answer was specific and clear, clarifying China's position.

At this time, the international situation became more severe.I decided to go ahead with my visit to Cuba and voluntarily canceled my planned visit to the United States. From Ecuador to Cuba, we chose to fly to Havana via Mexico.When transiting through Mexico City International Airport, I could already feel the strange atmosphere.At that time, the Mexican foreign ministry claimed that the Mexican government had canceled the visit of the Chinese foreign minister. On the evening of June 6, when my flight arrived at Mexico City International Airport, the waiting hall was crowded with journalists who had learned in advance that the Chinese Foreign Minister would be transiting the border.For the sake of safety, the Mexican government arranged for us to get off the aircraft gangway, get into the car directly, and go to the Chinese embassy in Mexico.When Gao Shumao and others in the entourage got off the plane and walked out from the corridor bridge for passengers to go through the immigration formalities and claim their luggage, the reporters waiting outside the door mistook him for the Chinese foreign minister. question.Gao Shumao faced it calmly, smiled and said nothing, and inadvertently became a news person on the TV camera that night.

At around 10 o'clock that night, a group of Chinese students studying in Mexico came to the embassy and asked to see me when they learned that I was staying at the embassy.Their emotions seemed to be very intense, and they knocked on the door of the embassy.I asked the comrades in the embassy to invite them all to the reception hall of the embassy to meet them.After they came in, they all fell silent.I asked them what school they came from in China and what major they studied, and I truthfully introduced the domestic situation to them.At this time, a student asked me to represent the people.I replied that the foreign minister of a country must of course represent his country and its people.Afterwards, persuade them to learn more about the real situation and not to listen to the wind and rain.Finally, everyone calmed down and left the embassy in peace.

On June 7, our group arrived in Havana.As the first Chinese foreign minister to visit Cuba after the Cuban Revolution in 1960, the main task of my trip is to improve relations with Cuba and enhance mutual understanding. Over the years, Cuba and China have had some estrangement on the issue of the Soviet Union, which had not been completely resolved by then.Cuba and the Soviet Union have a good relationship, and they are wary of China and have many misunderstandings.When the Cuban foreign minister visited China at the beginning of the year, he expressed the hope of improving relations.This time I am a return visit.

Cuban leader Castro attaches great importance to my visit.On the second night of my arrival in Cuba, he personally hosted a welcome banquet for me at the Palace of the Revolution.After the banquet, he had a long talk with me.After talking about the departure of the guests, he still couldn't finish it, so he simply invited me to his office upstairs to continue the conversation until 12 o'clock in the middle of the night. Chairman Castro is energetic, enthusiastic, talkative, curious, and full of interest in everything about China. During the conversation, I informed him about Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's recent visit to China and the normalization of Sino-Soviet relations.Chairman Castro was very happy to hear that.He said that socialist countries and countries in the third world are in favor of the normalization of Sino-Soviet relations, which is a major event of historic significance.

Then, Chairman Castro introduced in detail what he knew about the "Tiananmen Incident" and the reactions of various parties, expressing that the Cuban government fully supports the Chinese government and is willing to provide me with a place and conditions to make any statement.Chairman Castro also told me that China needs to be united, and that anarchy cannot occur as the Western countries hope. If that happens, it will be a tragedy for the whole world. Regarding my plan to cancel my visit to the US, Chairman Castro thinks it is a correct decision.He said that if you go to the United States, hundreds of journalists will ask you provocative questions.I agree with Chairman Castro and tell him that on such an occasion, no matter what you say or even nothing you say, there will always be some reporters who will distort the report.By the time you are about to make corrections, no one will notice.Castro laughed.He is clearly one of the most misrepresented figures in the world by the Western media.

I was deeply impressed by the breadth of President Castro's interest in China.His questions followed one another, almost endlessly.He asked about the differences between the north and the south of China, how Hong Kong would be managed after it was taken back, and which route to take from China to Cuba, what kind of plane to take, and so on.Chairman Castro listened intently to my introduction, and he was not tired at all even late into the night.Later, someone was very curious about this and asked our Spanish translator, what did Chairman Castro and the Chinese Foreign Minister talk about?The interpreter replied humorously: "A hundred thousand reasons."

Just as the Western world led by the United States was clamoring for sanctions against China, the United States sent a secret envoy. In fact, sanctioning China does not conform to the global strategy and long-term interests of the United States.In the triangular relationship between China, the United States and the Soviet Union at that time, China and the United States cooperated effectively in countering the expansion of the Soviet Union.It is not necessarily beneficial for the United States to isolate China.The United States is well aware of this. During that period of time, President Bush sent private messages to China several times, indicating that he attached importance to Sino-US relations, explaining that the current sanctions against China were taken under pressure from the US Congress and society, and hoped that Chinese leaders would understand . On June 21, 1989, President Bush secretly sent a letter to Comrade Deng Xiaoping, requesting to send a special envoy to visit China secretly and have a completely frank talk with Comrade Deng Xiaoping. The next day, Comrade Xiaoping replied to President Bush, pointing out that China-US relations are currently facing serious challenges, and he is worried about this, because this relationship has been cultivated by both sides for many years.In order to prevent the Sino-US relations from continuing to decline, Comrade Xiaoping expressed his agreement with President Bush's proposal. Under the condition of absolute secrecy, the special envoy of the US President is welcome to visit China, and he is willing to have a sincere and candid conversation with him in person. After receiving the reply, President Bush was very happy and decided to send General Scowcroft, National Security Affairs Assistant, to visit China as the President's special envoy on July 1. The entourage was only Deputy Secretary of State Eagleberg and a secretary. guards and other personnel. Regarding the selection of the special envoy this time, the US has conducted repeated studies internally.The United States disclosed privately that it had considered sending former President Nixon or former Secretary of State Kissinger to visit China as a special envoy, but they were worried that they would attract publicity and would not be conducive to keeping secrets, so Scowcroft was finally selected to take up the post.Scowcroft played a safe role and held an important position. Sending him to China not only shows that the United States attaches importance to Sino-US relations, but it is also difficult to attract the attention of the outside world. As for the candidates to accompany the officials, the US side has different opinions.According to US Secretary of State Baker in his book "Politics of Foreign Affairs", at first President Bush decided to send Scowcroft alone to visit China without accompanying personnel.Secretary Baker thinks this is inappropriate.He said that if only officials from the National Security Council go to visit without accompanying officials from the State Department, it will be difficult for the US diplomatic system to function.In fact, Baker's real purpose in raising this question was that he himself wanted to undertake the mission of this secret visit to China.In this regard, he made no secrets in the book.He said that he himself would like to come, but considering that as Secretary of State, foreign affairs activities are frequent and it is difficult to keep them secret. Therefore, he suggested that President Bush send Deputy Secretary of State Eagleberg to accompany Scowcroft on the visit. In order to avoid leaking the news of Scowcroft's secret visit to China, the US side took great pains.After Scowcroft arrived in Beijing, he did not have any contact with the US embassy in China, and did not notify the US embassy of his activities in China. At that time, Ambassador Li Jieming had been ordered to leave Beijing.In the United States, apart from President Bush, only Secretary of State Baker knows about this.As for choosing to arrive in Beijing on July 1, the US has also considered it.On this day, approaching the Fourth of July, Scowcroft's departure from Washington at this time would not be conspicuous.At the same time, the United States has also adopted strict confidentiality measures on communications and special planes: Scowcroft did not use the communications equipment of the U.S. embassy in China, but brought two telegraph officers with him; , the exterior has been camouflaged and the markings painted out to make it look like a normal commercial transport aircraft.In the large cabin, a passenger cabin is temporarily hoisted, and the facilities inside are complete, comfortable and convenient.The plane flew continuously for 22 hours, refueled in the air, and did not land anywhere in the middle, so as not to attract the attention of the ground crew.The secrecy measures adopted by the United States for this visit are as high as those of Dr. Kissinger's secret visit to China in the early 1970s.At that time, Dr. Kissinger came to China by plane from Pakistan, and the confidentiality measures were also very strict, but it did not reach the level of keeping the secret from the US ambassador to Pakistan. In the late 1980s, the complexity and sensitivity of Sino-US relations can be seen from this. Interestingly, Scowcroft describes some of this history in his book, A World in Change, co-authored with President Bush.He described it like this in the book: When the C-141 US military transport plane he was on entered China, only a few people in China knew about it, so that no one thought of notifying the air defense department, so the Chinese military I called Chairman Yang Shangkun for instructions, and reported that an aircraft of unknown nationality had entered the Chinese airspace near Shanghai, and asked whether to shoot it down.Fortunately for them, Scowcroft said, the call went directly to Chairman Yang's office.Chairman Yang told his men not to fire.This is a very important flight mission. The story sounds very "thrilling".However, as far as I know, China and the United States conducted full consultations in advance on the route and time of Scowcroft's special plane entering China's airspace, and China made careful arrangements for this.At that time, the U.S. had requested that U.S. planes not fly through the Shanghai air corridor to save time.Considering that the procedures would be complicated and the time saving would not be much if the Shanghai Air Corridor was not used, the relevant departments of our country did not agree to this request of the US side.Out of confidentiality considerations, the Chinese side agreed that the U.S. special plane would be obliterated and become an "unknown nationality" plane.Later, the U.S. special plane entered China's airspace on the route and time stipulated by China.Under such circumstances, Scowcroft's "near misses" were impossible. Scowcroft arrived in Beijing on the afternoon of July 1, and his special plane stopped at the Capital Airport.China's secrecy measures are also very strict. All meeting, meeting and banquet venues, as well as the car in which Scowcroft took and the hotel where Scowcroft stayed, did not fly the national flag.Photography related to the event has been approved by Scowcroft in advance, and all photographed materials will be archived. As Scowcroft only stayed in China for more than 20 hours, his schedule was very tight.Comrade Xiaoping will meet him first, and then Premier Li Peng and I will have talks with him.This is an extremely important visit, which is related to the direction of Sino-US relations at that time.Comrade Xiaoping attached great importance to this and personally participated in and set the tone of the talks. On the morning of July 2, before meeting with Scowcroft, Comrade Xiaoping told Premier Li Peng and me who were accompanying him: "Today we only talk about principles, not specific issues. We don't care about sanctions and they won't scare us." I told Comrade Deng Xiaoping that the summit meeting of the seven Western countries will be held soon, and I don't know what sanctions will be announced against China. Comrade Xiaoping said firmly: "Don't talk about the seven countries, even the seventy countries are useless."Chinese people should have Chinese spirit and ambition.When have we ever been afraid of people?After liberation, we fought a war with the United States. At that time, we were at an absolute disadvantage and had no air superiority at all, but we were never afraid.The image of China is that it is not afraid of ghosts and does not believe in evil.Then, Comrade Xiaoping said earnestly that those who work in foreign affairs should pay attention to this issue. After speaking with us, Comrade Xiaoping met with Scowcroft in the Fujian Hall of the Great Hall of the People.Comrade Xiaoping first said to him: "I know that you have always been concerned about the development of Sino-US relations. You participated in the action of President Nixon and Dr. Kissinger in 1972. There are many American friends like you." Then Comrade Deng Xiaoping pointed out that China-US relations are currently in a very delicate and even dangerous situation.On the US side, we have not seen any signs of stopping the actions that have led to a dangerous, even broken, Sino-US relationship. On the contrary, they are still stepping up their pace.Three days ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to further sanction China.This action continues.Comrade Xiaoping also said that fortunately, there are still relatively calm people in the leadership of both sides. On the American side, there is President Bush; on our side, there are myself and other Chinese leaders.However, this problem cannot be solved from the perspective of two friends.President Bush wants to speak from the interests of the United States, and I and other Chinese leaders can only speak and make decisions from the standpoint of the interests of the Chinese nation and the Chinese people. Later, Comrade Xiaoping further pointed out that the problem lies in the United States.China has not offended the United States, but the United States has directly violated China's interests and dignity to a large extent.There is a saying in China: "It takes the person who tied the bell to untie the bell." I hope that the United States will take practical actions in the future to win the trust of the Chinese people instead of adding fuel to the flames. Comrade Xiaoping also specifically refuted the US's interference in China's judicial affairs, telling Scowcroft clearly that no one will be allowed to interfere in China's internal affairs, and China will not back down no matter what the consequences may be.Chinese leaders will not take or make rash actions or remarks to deal with the relations between the two countries, neither now nor in the future.However, when it comes to defending China's independence, sovereignty and national dignity, China's position is firm. After listening to Comrade Xiaoping's words, Scowcroft emphasized that President Bush is a true friend of Comrade Xiaoping and the Chinese people, and has had direct and close contact with the great China and the Chinese people. is unique. Comrade Xiaoping took this sentence with a smile and said that he (Bush) was shopping in Beijing by bicycle. Everyone laughed.Only then did the atmosphere relax. Scowcroft quickly said: "Yes, it is for the above reasons that President Bush recently wrote to you personally and sent me to China to convey his message." Regarding the U.S. sanctions against China, Scowcroft made an excuse, saying that his visit to China this time is not to negotiate a specific solution to the current difficulties in Sino-U.S. relations, but to explain the difficulties President Bush is facing and his efforts to maintain, Restoring and strengthening the position of Sino-US relations.Due to the internal situation of the two countries, Sino-US relations have experienced turmoil that has never been encountered since President Nixon's first visit to China.President Bush was deeply disturbed by this and sent him as a special envoy to visit China secretly by flying tens of thousands of kilometers. There was no other meaning, but to get in touch with Chinese leaders and maintain Sino-US relations. Scowcroft also said that at present, the US Congress requires the Bush administration to take more stringent measures.President Bush opposes this bill and will continue to oppose it in the future. However, if Congress unanimously passes sanctions against China, President Bush will encounter great difficulties if he uses his veto power.The president is not omnipotent when it comes to controlling events. After hearing Scowcroft's "explanation", Comrade Xiaoping said with a stern expression that he hoped that American politicians and people would understand one fact: the history of the People's Republic of China is that the Communist Party of China led the people to fight for 22 years. If you count the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, it took 25 years of fighting and sacrificed more than 20 million people to win the victory.China is an independent country that implements an independent foreign policy of peace. China's internal affairs allow no outsiders to interfere.China will not follow other people's baton.No matter what difficulties China encounters, it can withstand them.No force in China can replace the leadership of the Communist Party of China.This is not empty talk, it has been proved by decades of tests.Any country dealing with China should abide by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, including the principles of equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs.We hope that Sino-US relations can continue to develop on the basis of following the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and properly handle various issues.Otherwise, China will not be responsible for how far relations have changed. Comrade Xiaoping finally emphasized: "We agree with some of what you said just now, and we disagree with quite a few parts, but this is okay. The end of this unpleasant matter depends on the words and deeds of the United States." After speaking, Comrade Xiaoping took leave of the guests and asked Scowcroft to continue talking with Premier Li Peng.Before Comrade Xiaoping left, Scowcroft said politely: "Chairman Deng is in good health." Comrade Xiaoping responded quickly, and immediately replied humorously: "I am old, 85 years old. Voice of America" ​​released rumors , Said that I was seriously ill and died, which shows that the rumors are not credible.” This not only answered the other party’s polite greetings, but also quietly criticized the false reports of the US media, and subtly pointed out that the US government formulated the policy based on rumors. The policy of sanctions against China is extremely unwise. In the following talks with Premier Li Peng and me, Scowcroft said on the one hand that the actions of the Chinese government are entirely China's internal affairs; This is the core of the matter. Premier Li Peng emphasized to him that no matter which country's government and leaders formulate policies, they should base their policies on facts instead of inaccurate intelligence and social rumors to determine their own policies, policies and actions.There is another saying in China: emotion cannot replace policy.During this period of time, the decision-makers of the US government, including Congress and leaders, did not fully understand the recent events in China very clearly and accurately, and their emotions were instigated by some inaccurate intelligence and social rumors of. After returning home, Scowcroft reported his visit to China, especially his meeting with Comrade Deng Xiaoping, to President Bush. On July 28, President Bush secretly sent a letter to Comrade Xiaoping. On the one hand, he thanked Comrade Xiaoping for meeting Scowcroft. At the same time, he notified that at the summit meeting of the Western Group of Seven held not long ago, the United States and Japan had made some very embarrassing news. On the other hand, it defended the United States' interference in China's internal affairs and tried to shift the responsibility for the difficulties in Sino-US relations to China. Bush said in the letter: "When you met with Scowcroft, you mentioned a Chinese idiom: 'To untie the bell, one needs to tie the bell. This is exactly our problem. You think our action is to 'tie the bell.'" And we think it's what happened later that 'tied the bell. I have great respect for China's consistent position on non-interference in internal affairs. So I also know that when I suggest what action might be taken now, I'm risking our friendship However, the U.S.-China friendship that both of us have worked so hard to strengthen requires a candor that only a friend can express. At present, the U.S. Congress continues to try to pressure me to sever economic relations with China, but I will do my best to prevent the boat from being swung too far. " President Bush also said in the letter: "Please understand that this is a personal letter from someone who wants to see us move forward together. If I cross the invisible threshold between constructive advice and 'interference in internal affairs', please do not Angry at me. At our last meeting you told me that you had given more of your day to other people. But I turn to you out of respect, out of a feeling of intimacy and friendship. You have had your ups and downs , through all these events. Now I ask you to join me in looking into the future. It is a future of dramatic change. Both the United States and China have much to contribute to this exciting future. If we can make our friendship back on track, then we can all do more for the peace of the world and the happiness of our two peoples." On August 11, Comrade Xiaoping replied to President Bush, first of all, he appreciated his emphasis on maintaining and developing Sino-US relations and his efforts to this end, and then made a special statement on the meaning of "releasing the bell" and "tying the bell". Explanation. Comrade Xiaoping pointed out, "I said the words 'untie the bell,' tie the bell, which means that the United States is deeply involved in China's internal affairs, and then took the lead in imposing sanctions on China, which violated China's interests to a large extent. and dignity, the resulting difficulties in Sino-US relations are entirely on the US side and should be resolved by the US. The sanctions imposed by the US against China are still continuing, and incidents of interference in China's internal affairs still occur from time to time. I hope that this The situation will change as soon as possible, and I believe that President Bush can make a difference in this regard." The debate between the leaders of China and the United States on "untie the bell" and "tie the bell" is not a dispute over the meaning of words, but reflects the crux of the relationship between the two countries at that time. From China's point of view, it is the US interfering in China's internal affairs that has tied the knot in Sino-US relations.Only when the United States takes the initiative to untie this knot can China-US relations move forward.But the United States is unwilling to admit this, and instead shifts the responsibility to China.In the process of breaking the US sanctions against China, the two sides engaged in a fierce contest around this key issue. Scowcroft's secret visit to China was the first high-level contact between the two sides after the US announced sanctions against China.This secret visit played a positive role in preventing the relationship between the two countries from further deteriorating. However, due to the continued US sanctions on China, the relationship between the two sides is still at a stalemate.The "knot" of Sino-US relations has not been untied. At this time, the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union improved.The two heads of state will meet in Malta in early December.The triangular relationship between China, the United States, and the Soviet Union has shown a tendency to adjust.Under such circumstances, the United States was worried that China would get closer to the Soviet Union again, so it decided to send a special envoy to visit China again. On November 6, President Bush sent a letter to Comrade Deng Xiaoping, stating that the upcoming summit meeting between the United States and the Soviet Union would not harm China's interests. The geopolitical reasons for Nixon's visit to China still exist. Today, China and the United States share many important fields similar interests.For this reason, President Bush suggested that after meeting with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the United States would send a special envoy to visit China to inform Comrade Deng Xiaoping of the meeting and discuss how to normalize Sino-US relations. When he received the letter from President Bush, Comrade Deng Xiaoping was also considering how to resolve key issues in Sino-US relations.At that time, it happened that Dr. Kissinger was visiting.Dr. Kissinger is an old friend of the Chinese people and has made great contributions to the development of Sino-US relations.When meeting him, Comrade Xiaoping put forward a package of proposals for resolving disputes in Sino-US relations, and asked him to convey them to President Bush upon his return to the United States. Comrade Xiaoping's proposals for a package solution include: (1) Under certain preconditions, Fang Lizhi's problem should be solved, and Fang Lizhi and his wife should leave the US embassy in China and go to the US or a third country. (2) The United States takes appropriate measures to clearly announce the cancellation of sanctions against China. (3) The two sides will work together to try to implement several relatively large Sino-US economic cooperation projects in the near future. (4) Suggest that the United States invite General Secretary Jiang Zemin to visit the United States at an appropriate time in the second year. The main purpose of this proposal is to solve the thorny issues plaguing Sino-US relations and bring the relations between the two countries back to the normal track. After Dr. Kissinger returned to the United States, he quickly reported to President Bush. At the same time, Comrade Xiaoping responded to President Bush’s letter on November 6 on November 15. Comrade Xiaoping said in the letter: "I have always regarded you as a friend of China, and I very much hope that Sino-US relations will develop during your tenure, rather than regress. When I retire, it is necessary to change the current deterioration of Sino-US relations. My wish. After reading your letter, I have some thoughts on how China and the United States can jointly take steps to restore and develop friendly relations. I have entrusted Dr. Kissinger to convey it to you personally. I hope and believe that it will be possible I have received a positive response from you. I and the Chinese government welcome your personal envoy to visit China." The US responded quickly. On December 1, U.S. President Bush wrote to Comrade Deng Xiaoping, proposing that within a week after the U.S.-Soviet summit in Malta, he would send National Security Affairs Assistant Scowcroft to visit China as a special envoy to inform Chinese leaders about the U.S.-Soviet situation. Summit meeting in Malta.The letter also asked China to make further clarifications on Comrade Deng Xiaoping's package of proposals to end the disputes in Sino-US relations, expressing hope and belief that a way to restore bilateral relations can be found. In the letter, President Bush stated that he was making efforts to "unlock the bell", and asked China to assist and make joint efforts. On December 9, Scowcroft visited Beijing again, and the main accompanying person was still Deputy Secretary of State Eagleberger. Unlike the secret visit to China half a year ago, this visit was public and lasted for two days.Comrade Deng Xiaoping, General Secretary Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng all met with him, and I held talks with him. I had two meetings with Scowcroft.The first time was planned, and the second time was added at his request. After Scowcroft introduced the US-Soviet summit meeting in Malta, the topic quickly turned to China's package solution. I explained to him that Comrade Deng Xiaoping's considerations for putting forward a package plan are as follows: first, proceeding from the fundamental interests of the two countries, to end disputes as soon as possible and open up the future.Second, the solution reached between China and the United States must be realized simultaneously or basically simultaneously.Third, if there are disputes and disputes between the two countries in the future, both sides should adopt a restrained attitude, maintain contact and solve problems. I went on to say that the package of proposals put forward by Comrade Deng Xiaoping fully demonstrates China's sincerity in resolving the disputes between China and the United States, and fully considers the reaction of the United States and the ideas contained in President Bush's letter.The follow-up actions considered by the Chinese side are: (1) Suggest that the two sides work together to try to implement several relatively large economic cooperation projects in the near future. (2) It is recommended that the United States invite General Secretary Jiang Zemin to visit the United States at an appropriate time next year, when there should be a relatively favorable environment for Sino-US relations. I especially emphasize that China and the United States cannot do things that hurt each other.China has never done anything that hurts the United States, and hopes that the United States will not do anything that hurts China.China and the United States should get along with each other in a friendly way and support each other. Only in this way will it be conducive to peace and stability in the region and the world. I hope the US side will seriously consider our proposal and respond.If it is too late, you can also reply later.If the US side wishes to continue discussing these issues with the Chinese side in the future, I am willing to visit the US around the Spring Festival in China early next year (late January) to continue our discussions. Scowcroft said that China's proposal is very important, and he will take it back for careful study.Afterwards, he talked about some preliminary thoughts, mainly using the complexity of the domestic situation in the United States as an excuse, asking China to understand the domestic situation in the United States.President Bush is not an uninhibited individual on these issues, he said. The sanctions against China announced in June are actions taken to cater for the so-called emotional needs of the American people.Under the current circumstances, if President Bush actually lifted the sanctions, it would likely result in Congress passing legislation with a majority that the president cannot veto.Regarding the issue of Fang Lizhi, Scowcroft said that the two sides really need to conduct careful negotiations.This is best discussed in Beijing.If there are some issues that are very sensitive to the United States, negotiations can be conducted in the United States. I told him that this issue is somewhat complicated, and I hope the U.S. will come up with its own proposal after careful study.The solution to the problem, of course, must go through the joint efforts of both parties.You have your difficulties, we have ours.You are looking for solutions to problems, and we are looking for solutions. Scowcroft's public visit to China actually broke the US ban on exchanging visits with high-level Chinese officials.During the talks, the two sides agreed to end the dispute as soon as possible and open up the future. Sino-US relations made some progress for a time. A few days later, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Eagleberg made a counter-proposal to China's proposal, stating that the U.S. accepts in principle each of the four components of China's package of proposals, and has the following corresponding considerations: First, In order to meet the common interests of all parties concerned, the US ambassador to China, Li Jieming, and the Chinese representatives discussed and resolved the issue of Fang Lizhi in Beijing.Second, other aspects of Sino-U.S. relations should be discussed in Washington between the Chinese ambassador to the U.S. and U.S. representatives.Third, the United States agrees in principle to make serious efforts to reach agreement on cooperation projects and welcomes Chinese proposals on these projects.Fourth, the United States agreed in principle to invite General Secretary Jiang Zemin to visit the United States at an appropriate time next year to complete the process of normalizing relations.Fifth, the US side would like to put forward a proposal that the two sides adopt an action plan conducive to the normalization of relations. Although Scowcroft's visit to China has made progress in the bilateral relations between China and the United States, it has caused him some "little troubles" in the United States, especially at the welcome banquet I held for him , The news media filmed the scene of the two parties toasting, published it in newspapers, and played it repeatedly on TV. The Western media was full of uproar.In his own book, A World in Change, Scowcroft said the toasting scene made him very embarrassed in the United States. In 2002, when I met him again during my visit to the United States, Scowcroft specifically mentioned this incident and jokingly complained to me: "You guys have made me miserable." The US special envoy visited China publicly, and the Chinese side hosted a banquet to show the friendship of the landlord, which was a normal diplomatic etiquette. Scowcroft's visit to China was entirely a diplomatic act to safeguard the interests of the United States.Some media and some people in the United States made a lot of hype. In fact, they were putting pressure on the Bush administration, which advocated maintaining relations with China at that time. Shortly after Scowcroft returned to the United States, Sino-US relations showed a trend of improvement. At this time, the situation in Eastern Europe changed dramatically. First, the political situation in Romania was turbulent and suddenly changed overnight. The Communist government was overthrown, and its leader Ceausescu was shot dead on December 25 of that year. As Eastern Europe changes, so does the international landscape.美国开始重新评估世界的整个形势，突然变得又不急于与中国改善关系了。 刚刚缓解的中美关系退回到“一揽子解决方案”提出之前的状态了。一揽子方案被放在一边，不再提及。 对此，斯考克罗夫特后来在《变革中的世界》一书中，做了相反的解释。他认为齐奥塞斯库倒台，导致了中国在中美关系改善方面采取了向后转的态度。实际情况恰恰相反，中国没有向后转，而是美国在看到东欧巨变后，大概不知中国能否抗得住此番风浪，因此采取了向后转的态度。 1990年4月，中方曾提出派特使秘密访问美国，一方面通报李鹏总理访问苏联的情况，一方面就两国关系中的问题交换意见。美方则以目前美国国内气氛不适合来访为由，加以婉拒。不久，美方提出，两国官员可以在第三国会面，并听取通报情况。中方认为，特使访美通报情况是中美两国之间的事情，完全没有必要在第三国进行，因此，没有接受美方的提议。特使访美一事，由于美方的消极态度而不了了之。 对于美方的短视行为，小平同志于5月14日托来华访问的埃及总统穆巴拉克转告布什总统，提醒他不要因东欧事情过分兴奋，也不要用同样的方式来处理中国问题和中美关系。否则，双方很难不发生摩擦，甚至导致冲突。这对两国都不利。 当时，美苏关系经历了从雅尔塔到马耳他的重大变化，对抗因素正在弱化，合作因素正在增长。同时，东欧巨变，加上苏联国内局势的动荡，使得中美合作的战略基础发生深刻变化。美国国内有人认为美国不再需要与中国合作了，开始鼓吹“遏制中国”。 在这种背景下，美方对小平同志的这番忠告置若罔闻。中美关系重新陷入了僵持阶段。 正在此时，也就是1990年夏季，伊拉克突然出兵入侵并吞并科威特，海湾危机爆发。 海湾危机直接影响了美国的切身利益。海湾地区石油储量占世界三分之二，是美国和西方国家经济的“生命线”。美国知道，如果不及时制止伊拉克的扩张，美国和西方国家在中东的利益将会受到严重损害。 在处理这一地区危机时，美国马上意识到，它非但不是不需要与中国打交道，而是更需要同中国合作了。 美国为了获得联合国安理会的授权，使用武力将伊拉克军队赶出科威特，必须得到中国的支持。作为联合国安理会常任理事国，中美在解决重大国际问题和地区冲突上肩负着重要使命。应付世界上各种随时可能发生的突发事件，需要中美两国的协商。两国关系长期陷入僵局不仅不符合双方的利益，也不利于世界的和平与稳定。 美国不得不重新估价中美关系，并又开始试探改善两国关系。中美关系由此峰回路转，柳暗花明。 8月31日下午，美国驻华大使馆向中方转交了布什总统致小平同志的信。布什在信中表示，美国不会缩小或降低具有重要战略性的中美关系。美国对中国就伊拉克占领科威特所采取的原则立场表示赞赏。 那一年的11月，我计划访问伊拉克。美国国务卿贝克听说后，就表示他那时正好也在中东地区访问，希望双方能在途经开罗时，与我在开罗会面，交换对伊拉克问题的意见。 11月6日下午，我在开罗国际机场的候机厅里与贝克会见。 贝克国务卿表示，希望中国不要阻拦联合国安理会有关授权对伊采取一切必要的行动，包括军事行动的决议。为了换取中国的支持，他承诺美方将寻求机会取消对华制裁，美国也不反对晚些时候世界银行向中国“星火计划”项目贷款1.1亿美元的计划。 我对他说，在经济合作方面，美国的行动已经显得缓慢了，中国与日本、欧共体的合作，都已有了进展。至于海湾危机问题，中方并未将其与中美关系挂钩，无论中美关系如何发展，中国都将坚持一贯的立场，主张和平解决争端。 随着海湾局势越来越紧张，美国决心对伊拉克动武。为此，能否得到联合国安理会的授权，成为美国外交上亟待解决的首要问题。中国如何投票，又成为美国能否合法出兵海湾的关键。 贝克国务卿办起外交来，一如经商做买卖。在谈判桌上，他的口头禅是：“让我们做个交易。”这次也不例外。从开罗机场会晤到后来11月28日深夜在纽约会见，又一直到11月29日安理会投票，他总是把与布什总统会见作为“做交易”的筹码。 此事后来的发展，在本书“飞往巴格达”一章里详有记叙，这里不再赘述。 1991年10月10日，布什总统约见中国驻美大使朱启祯，表示他决定派国务卿贝克访华，且不附加任何条件。这是他作为总统做出的决定。 布什总统还对朱大使说，尽早恢复中美关系对双方都至关重要，这既符合美国的最大利益，也符合中国的最大利益，希望贝克国务卿访华将成为两国关系的转折点。布什总统特别强调，鉴于目前美国国内政治气候，这次访问只能成功。明年是美国的大选年，美国国内政治气候将会对中美关系产生影响，双方应尽快采取行动，否则，在维护两国关系方面，他将难以有所作为。 同年11月15日，贝克国务卿抵达北京。这是美国自1989年中止与中国高层接触和互访以后，美国国务卿首次访华。 当时，中美关系有所缓和，但两国的接触仍是十分敏感的问题，而美国国内的气氛更是微妙。 也许是有了斯考克罗夫特的“前车之鉴”，贝克一再向中方表示，他访华是为了讨论和解决问题，希望新闻媒体最好播发他与中国领导人进行会谈的照片，而不要拍摄宴会上碰杯的镜头。 我与贝克举行了多轮会谈。在会谈中，贝克说，此次来华访问本身，实际上意味着禁止高层往来的禁令的解除，这在美国是一个极不受欢迎的政治行动，许多人不理解。美国国会正急不可待地要接管对华政策，而那对美中关系来说，将是一场灾难。如果他这次访问无功而返，两国关系的维持将会更加困难。因此，他的访华本身，就是已经“装满了中国的篮子”，现在需要中国给他的“篮子”里装满东西，让他带回去。 我问他，篮子里想装什么东西呢？ 他倒直截了当，说他有三只空篮子，一个想装防止武器扩散，一个想装经贸合作，一个想装人权。总之，访问结束之后，他不能空手而归。 李鹏总理在会见时对他说，中方不反对就这三方面问题与美方进行讨论，也希望在这三只篮子里都装些东西。但是，中方也有几只篮子，最大的一只，就是希望美国支持恢复中国在关贸总协定中的缔约国地位。 于是，双方就围绕如何装满对方“篮子”的问题，展开了艰苦的谈判。 在15日晚宴上，贝克主动约我单独会谈。在单独会谈中，他反复强调，现在最关键的问题，是访问结束后如何向新闻界介绍情况，以显示访问的成果。 我对他说，对此可以理解。但是，如果中方没有获得成果，在国内同样也会产生强烈反响。对中国而言，美方能做些什么非常重要。斯考克罗夫特将军前年年底访华时，双方达成了协议，中方采取了行动，但美方没有跟上，有些方面没有落实。这也许与东欧形势的变化有关，美方采取了“等着瞧”的态度。因此，双方在一些方面达成一致，就必须付诸实施；如果达不成一致，也要加以说明。 贝克表示，如果现在中方要求布什总统采取的步骤，远远超过中方可以采取的行动，这将在美国国内招致更大的不满。目前紧要的是，要让此次访问有成果，使美国人感到这次访问的重要性。 17日中午，我和贝克举行了最后一轮谈判。这次谈判异常艰苦。从中午一直谈到下午五点半，以至于美方专机离京时间不得不七次推迟，原有的安排完全被打乱。双方激烈较量，包括两国外长在内的双方谈判人员，都连续工作，不离谈判现场。 最后，谈判终于取得了进展。 美方承诺支持中国入关，以亚太经济合作组织模式来解决台湾入关的时间问题；美方同意取消当年6月16日宣布的中止向我国出口卫星等三项制裁措施，以及取消对中国实施的特殊“三○一”条款；美方还表示，将积极考虑中美间关于设立贸易、经济和科技合作的三个联委会，在明年的适当时候，恢复部长级会议。 我方承诺，在美国取消中止向我出口卫星等制裁措施的条件下，遵守导弹及其相关技术控制体系（MTCR）的准则和参数；在美国取消对中国实施的特殊“三○一”条款的基础上，加大保护知识产权的力度。 在人权问题上，中方坚持内政不得干涉的原则，同时通报了一些美方“关切”的情况。美方拿出了一份长长的所谓被拘押的“不同政见者”的名单，其中，以讹传讹，错误百出，有的只有拼音，没有汉字，常常不知所指。名单中有“吴建民”其人，我向贝克说，我们的新闻司司长叫吴建民，正在现场。此时，吴建民答道：“在。”贝克见状，反应还算机敏，马上说：“噢，你放出来了。” 引起哄堂大笑。 访问结束后，贝克国务卿满意，感到不虚此行；布什总统认为，贝克访华富有成果，对中美关系有着积极意义；国际舆论对贝克访华也给予了正面评价，普遍认为，贝克访华本身就是中国外交的胜利。 至此，美国和西方各国对中国持续了两年多的制裁，开始被打破。 在联合制裁中国的各国中，日本一直扮演着一个不太情愿的角色，只是为了维护西方各国立场的一致，才勉强同意西方七国首脑会议制裁中国的决议。 1989年8月1日，我在巴黎出席柬埔寨问题国际会议时，见到日本外相三冢博。他对我说，在半个月前举行的西方七国首脑会议上，日本为中国做了解释，劝告西方不要使对华制裁升级。随着中国恢复稳定，日本在1990年就恢复了对华第三批日元贷款。 当然，日本这样做是为了它自身的利益。但是，日本作为西方制裁中国的联合战线中薄弱的一环，自然成为中国突破西方制裁的最佳突破口。 当时，我们推动日本在这方面先行一步，不仅仅是为了打破西方的制裁，而是有更多的战略考虑，即通过实现双方的高层往来，进而促成日本天皇首次访华，使中日关系的发展得以进入新的阶段。 在中日两千年的交往史上，日本天皇从未来过中国。实现天皇访华，不仅可打破西方各国中止与中国高层互访的禁令，而且对中日关系还有更加深远的意义，会使日本民众更加支持日中睦邻友好的政策。 实现天皇访华，需要做大量细致的工作。首先要从加强两国外长接触开始，为两国元首互访营造良好的氛围。 1991年4月5日至7日，日本外相中山太郎应邀访华。我在同他会谈时表示，尽管两国关系出现过一些困难和曲折，但去年下半年以来，经过双方努力，两国关系不断得到恢复和改善。今年以来，继大藏大臣桥本龙太郎、通产大臣中尾荣一访华后，中山太郎外相又首次访华。我对日方所做的努力表示赞赏，并高度评价日本在主要西方国家中率先恢复和改善对华关系的做法。中山太郎外相则希望我在海部俊树首相访华前访问日本，并在我访日时，确定海部首相访华的日程。 在谈到明年将是中日邦交正常化20周年时，中山太郎建议两国各举行各种活动，包括两国领导人互访。我表示完全同意，并进一步提出，如能在邦交正常化20周年时实现日本天皇访华，将是中日关系的一个非常重要的活动，一定能受到中国人民的欢迎，也将使中日睦邻友好关系进入一个新的发展期。 对中方的这一建议，中山太郎外相表示，日本将在政府内部认真研究。 两个多月后，也就是6月25日至28日，我对日本进行了回访。在与中山太郎外相会谈时，我们再次谈到邦交正常化20周年的纪念活动。 我对他说，20年在中日关系史上是短暂的一瞬，重要的是我们双方应该利用这个机会更好地总结过去，开辟未来，认真探讨如何在中日邦交正常化的第三个十年，推动两国关系进一步向前发展。为此，我建议明年还可举行一轮高层互访，再次表示，中方欢迎天皇访华。 中山太郎赞成我的意见。双方确定了海部俊树首相8月访华的日期。对于天皇访华，中山太郎外相表示，日本政府内部正给予积极的考虑。 1991年8月10日，日本首相海部俊树来到北京，成为西方对中国实行制裁后第一位访华的西方政府首脑，标志着日本名副其实地解除了对华制裁，完成了两国关系的修复工作。 由于日本是惟一遭受原子弹伤害的国家，中国理解日本人民对防止核扩散的关切，所以，在海部俊树首相访问期间，中国宣布原则上加入《核不扩散条约》。海部俊树首相则正式通知中方，日本政府已决定，作为第三批日元贷款，日方将向中国一次性提供1991年度22个项目的1296亿日元贷款。 1992年4月6日至10日，江泽民总书记访问日本，广泛与日方各阶层接触，强调中日友好，以及天皇访华对发展两国关系的重要意义，进一步消除了日方的疑虑。 10月22日至27日，日本天皇明仁和皇后美智子对中国进行了正式访问。 在杨尚昆主席举行的欢迎宴会上，明仁天皇发表了讲话。在谈到历史问题时，他说：“在两国关系悠久的历史上，曾经有过一段我们给中国人民带来深重苦难的不幸时期。我对此深感痛心。战争结束后，我国国民基于不再重演这种战争的深刻反省，下定决心，一定要走和平国家的道路。” 明仁天皇此次有关历史问题的表态，比此前日本领导人有明显进步，虽无“谢罪”之词，但有较强的反省之意。 日本天皇访华，这在中日两千年交往史上还是第一次，使中日邦交关系由此提高到了一个新的水平。同时，日本天皇在这一时刻访华，对打破西方对华制裁起了积极作用，其意义显然超出了中日双边关系的范围。 随着中日关系的修复与突破，西方制裁中国的另一组成部分——欧洲共同体，这时也开始松动立场了。 作为西欧一体化的组织机构，欧洲共同体不仅在欧洲经济一体化方面，而且在对外政策上，也发挥着重要作用，其主要代表形式是“三驾马车”，即欧洲共同体上任、现任和下任主席国，每半年轮换一次。 按照惯例，每年9月的联合国大会期间，欧共体“三驾马车”的外长都要与中国外长举行会晤，交换对国际形势和欧共体与中国关系的看法。自1989年西方实行对华制裁后，欧共体国家外长当年中断了在联合国与我们的会晤。后来，欧洲发觉美国虽带头实行对中国的制裁，私底下却与中国接触不断，而日本在改善与中国关系方面捷足先登，相比之下，倒是欧洲落在了后面。由于担心今后失去在中国市场的份额，欧共体“三驾马车”决定急起直追，由三国外长出面，恢复与中国的接触。 1990年6月28日，意大利外交部通知中国驻意使馆：欧共体都柏林首脑会议决定，“三驾马车”外长希望在当年联大会议期间与中国外长会晤。 我认为这是一个积极的姿态，于是，在当年9月28日上午，与欧共体“三驾马车”外长，即意大利外长德米凯利斯、爱尔兰外长柯林斯和卢森堡外长普斯，在纽约举行了会晤。 意大利当时是欧共体主席国，因此，会谈主要是在德米凯利斯外长与我之间进行。会谈的气氛比较融洽。德米凯利斯外长对我说，尽管过去的事件使双边关系出现了问题，但世界局势发生重大变化，欧洲同中国在许多国际问题上的看法趋于一致。冷战后的国际新秩序，没有中国参加是难以建立的。欧共体希望尽快实现双方关系正常化。 他还表示，曾以为西方可以影响中国的制度，现在认识到，适合欧洲的制度不一定适合中国。不同社会制度的国家也能够进行良好的合作。 德米凯利斯外长向我透露，作为欧共体理事会主席，他将在10月份召开的欧共体理事会会议上正式提出建议，“完全恢复”欧中关系。 我向他们介绍了中国在国际问题上的立场，告诉他们中国改革、开放的政策不变，并表示赞赏意大利外长关于每个国家情况有所不同的观点，强调人权应从各国的法律来体现，并得到各国法律的保护。 这次欧共体“三驾马车”外长与我在纽约的会晤，实际上意味着欧洲与中国高层官员接触禁令的结束。 值得一提的是，在中国外交面临严峻考验的艰难时刻，许多西方国家仍然对中国保持了友善的态度，其中令我记忆深刻的是西班牙。在当时一片反华声浪中，西方国家中没有随波逐流的是西班牙。西班牙对中国的情况表示理解，并一直执行中西两国已签约的贷款协议和经济合作项目，积极恢复与中国的政治交往。 1990年10月1日，西班牙外交大臣奥多涅斯在纽约主动约见我。会见中，他对我说，西班牙一直支持与中国保持友好关系，对中国与欧共体国家外长在联大会谈的良好气氛感到高兴。他还告诉我，现在欧共体内对华强硬国家的态度有所改变，下周欧共体外长将开会，会就尽快恢复对华关系做出决定。 在这次会见中，他与我达成了两国外长互访的共识。1990年11月，奥多涅斯访华，成为欧共体取消对华制裁后第一个访华的西方国家外长。3个月后，我回访了西班牙。 不幸的是，奥多涅斯先生后来患上了癌症。他曾在中国买过蜂王精，回去服用后，觉得很有疗效，体力增强。我听说后，曾专门托人给他带去蜂王精，希望中国的药品能帮助他提高抵抗力，最终战胜病魔。 在西方对中国制裁不断被打破的形势下，欧共体外长终于在1990年10月23日卢森堡会议后宣布，除政府首脑以上交往和军事往来、合作及军品贸易外，取消1989年6月以来实行的针对中国所采取的其他限制性措施，立即恢复同中国的正常关系。 欧共体会议能够做出这一决定，西班牙和意大利等南欧国家，不能不说是发挥了积极作用。 这是欧共体在改善关系方面采取的关键步骤，也是中国在打破西方制裁上取得的又一重大胜利。 回首打破西方制裁的历程，不能不提及发展中国家的声援。在那段艰难的日子里，他们坚定地站在中国一边。 发展中国家虽然不可能在经济上弥补西方大国对华制裁给中国造成的损失，但在政治上，他们却给予我们极大的支持，尤其是在联合国大会期间，这些亚、非、拉各国的领导人或外长，对中国的热情友好一如既往，与他们的紧密接触，成为每年我在联合国会外活动的重要内容。这在当时中国受到西方孤立的情况下，尤为难能可贵。 联合国大会一般每年9月在纽约举行，会议日程总是安排得很紧。尽管如此，我总是挤出时间，在会下与尽可能多的亚、非、拉各国的领导人或外长会晤，每年会议期间，大约要见三四十位。其中，与东盟、海湾国家和里约集团国家外长的会晤，更是年年举行。 非洲国家外长在谈话中总是赞誉中国的外交政策，希望和中国加强团结，为发展经济和维护世界和平共同努力。我感谢他们对中国的赞扬，表示至关重要的还是要发展经济，加强国力，只有这样，才能在国际事务中有更大的发言权，才能在维护世界和平方面发挥更大和更为关键的作用。 海湾国家对中国如何看待1990年伊拉克入侵科威特一事十分关切。我在与海湾国家外长会见时，着重阐明中国一向反对侵略，要求伊拉克撤军的原则立场。那时，海湾局势十分紧张，成为联合国内外谈论的焦点。我的阐述有助于海湾国家对中国立场的理解。会谈中，大家刚入座时，往往都很严肃，但谈了一会儿后，气氛就会活跃起来。 拉丁美洲国家外长对中国经济发展和改革开放政策很感兴趣，我曾专门就这一问题向他们做过简明扼要的介绍。 东盟国家与中国的关系，这时已有了长足的进展。继印尼与中国恢复外交关系后，中国与新加坡和文莱都建立了外交关系，双方的建交公报就是由我和新、文两国外长于联合国大会期间在纽约签署的。 国与国之间，有时就像人与人之间一样，患难之中才见真情。中国与发展中国家的关系，经受住了暴风雨的考