Luncheon with American journalists

Vice Premier Deng lunched with a group of American journalists on January 31.

China's Attitude to SALT Agreement. At a luncheon with American journalists, Vice Premier Deng said that China was not against such negotiations as those on the limitation of strategic weapons or the conclusion of treaties like the SALT. But, he said, "you cannot restrain Soviet hegemonism through negotiations or agreements."

The Vice Premier cited three agreements reached in the past 15 years between the United States and the Soviet Union to show that such agreements have no effect whatsoever in curtailing the unbridled Soviet military buildup.

When the first treaty on partial banning of nuclear testing was signed in 1963 by the United States, the Soviet Union and Britain, he said, "the gap between the military capabilities of the Soviet Union and the United States was quite great, that is. the U.S.S.R. lagged far behind the United States in its military capabilities."

"Then amidst a chorus of praises for that treaty, the Soviet Union accelerated the pace of development of its military capabilities," the Chinese Vice Premier noted.

When the second agreement was signed between the United States and the Soviet Union nine years later in 1972, the gap in the military strength of the two countries "had closed a great deal. although the United States was still somewhat in the lead."

By the time the third agreement came into force in 1974, "even public opinion in the United States acknowledged that the military strength of the two countries was on a par." Vice Premier Deng said.

"Does this not show the effect of agreements?" the Vice Premier asked.

"We are not against the conclusion of agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union to limit strategic arms," Vice Premier Deng said. But it is quite clear that "you cannot restrain or reduce the Soviets military buildup efforts or affect their policy of arms expansion through such measures as negotiations and agreements. What we want to say is that the people of the world should not have illusions in this respect. They should not be lulled into lowering their guard by such agreements."

Unite to Deal With Soviet Hegemonism. "What is needed is to adopt more realistic steps, practical steps - for instance, unity between the United States, China, Japan, Western Europe and other countries of the world, unity among these countries to deal with Soviet hegemonism," Vice Premier Deng stressed.

American friends welcome Vice Premier Deng and his party at the airfield in Washington.

"To prepare for a war, the Soviet Union must first of all complete its strategic deployments. It must seek dependable bases. It must seek strategic resources. Many problems in many parts of the world stem from the fact that the hegemonists are seeking new bases and strategic resources," the Vice Premier pointed out.

"We are of the view that the danger of war comes from the Soviet Union," the Chinese Vice Premier told the reporters. "The threat to international peace, security and stability comes from the Soviet Union. So the thing that we can all do is that we should try to hamper whatever they do, undermine whatever they do and frustrate what they try to do in any part of the world."

Viet Nam, the Oriental Cuba. When answering questions about Viet Nam raised by American newsmen, Vice Premier Deng pointed out that Viet Nam signed a treaty with the Soviet Union which has the nature of a military alliance. It launched a massive armed invasion of Kampuchea and has been engaged in provocations along its borders with China. "The role the Vietnamese play will be even worse than the Cubans," Vice Premier Deng said. "We call the Vietnamese the Cubans of the Orient. If you don't teach them some necessary lessons. it just won't do," he added.

"Naturally," the Vice Premier said, "we are also concerned about the security of our borders. There have been necessary troop movements and you are aware of this. But as to what actions to take, we will have to wait and see. I can say two things: one, we Chinese mean what we say; and two, we Chinese do not act rashly."

TV interview

On January 31 Vice Premier Deng gave an interview to U.S. TV representatives.

Threefold Mission in the United States. Vice Premier Deng said in his interview that he was in the United States "on a threefold mission: first, to convey a message of friendship from the Chinese people to the American people; second, to get to know the American people, to learn about your life, your experience in economic development, and absorb everything of benefit to us; and third, to have a wide-ranging exchange of views with your national leaders on ways to develop our bilateral relations and to maintain world peace and security."

"I can tell the American people that the results of my talks in the last two days with President Carter and other American leaders have been satisfactory," the Vice Premier said.

Grand reception

Vice Premier Deng and Madame Zhuo Lin gave a grand reception on the evening of January 31 to thank the U.S. Government and people for their hospitality.

Vice Premier Deng said at the reception: "On this visit to the United States, we have been accorded gracious hospitality by President and Mrs. Carter, by the U.S. Government, and by the American people in all walks of life. The friendship of the American people, which we have experienced in the last few days, leaves us with an unforgettable impression. I wish to express my deep thanks once again to the American Government and people."

"We have no doubt that as a result of our highly productive visit, the friendship of the Chinese and American peoples and the cooperation between the two countries in various fields will grow and develop and bear rich fruit," the Vice Premier declared.

Vice President Mondale spoke of Vice Premier Deng's visit as a great contribution to the developing of relations between the United States and China and expressed the conviction that the meetings between the government leaders of the two countries had brought about clearer and wider understanding of each other. Further co operation in wider areas can be expected, the Vice President said.