CIA: The declassified Central Intelligence Agency intelligence report on China’s

The declassified Central Intelligence Agency intelligence report on China’s view of the Sino‑U.S. relationship, dated circa nineteen‑eighty, is notable for its assessment of political, economic and security developments that shaped bilateral ties at the close of the 1970s. This document was released through a Freedom of Information Act request, case number unavailable, and made public in September two thousand two by The Black Vault. The declassification authority is listed as the Central Intelligence Agency, and the full text is available at the archive link provided. Executive Summary The relationship between the United States and China has progressed substantially and to the satisfaction of senior Chinese officials since the end of last year. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the Chinese Communist Party Fifth Plenum in February lent further impetus to closer relations. The Party Plenum enhanced the political positions of Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping and his associates, who are strongly disposed toward the U.S. connection. The strengthening of the positions of leaders committed to economic reform also enhances the prospects for wider involvement of U.S. and Western capital and technology in China’s economic modernization program. The Chinese leadership has made political decisions necessary to complete the institutional framework for a normal bilateral relationship by the end of the year. This is likely to result in agreements on consular conventions, civil air and maritime commerce, textiles, and the framework for trade relations involving preferential treatment of some Chinese goods. The Chinese have judged that the United States has adopted a stronger position against the Soviet Union in the wake of the invasion of Afghanistan and have more closely aligned Chinese security policy to that of Washington. This memorandum was prepared under the auspices of the National Intelligence Officer for China, by the China Policy Support Center, Office of Analysis, National Foreign Assessment Center, in response to a Department of Defense request. Questions and comments may be addressed to the N‑I‑O for China, telephone number redacted. Further Assessment Chinese officials stress that the Sino‑U.S. relationship is based on long‑term and strategic considerations, and Beijing has sought increased cooperation in security matters with the United States. China has participated in high‑level consultations with U.S. officials and has taken steps to further reduce ties with Moscow. The Chinese mission headed by Geng Biao will explore U.S. intentions regarding the transfer of military equipment to China and attempt to identify areas of broader military cooperation. Geng is said to be coming to Washington with a shopping list of military equipment and authority to make possible “substantial achievements.” Problem areas persist. The Chinese have encountered difficulties in controlling the effects on Chinese society of increased contact with the West. Taiwan remains a complicating factor; the Chinese persist in raising Taiwan, although in a largely pro forma manner, in bilateral negotiations. They have also indicated irritation, if only for tactical purposes, at U.S. willingness to provide Taipei—rather than Beijing—with military weapons. Differences persist on major international issues, including the hostage crisis in Iran, aid to Pakistan, the anti‑Vietnamese resistance in Kampuchea, and Korean reunification. The differences are largely tactical and remain manageable. An underlying Chinese concern remains over U.S. resolve in resisting Soviet expansion, which has inhibited a closer Chinese alignment with U.S. policy and indicated caution in Beijing’s identification with Washington on some specific issues. Discussion Since the end of last year, China’s relationship with the United States has progressed rapidly in political, economic, and security areas. The Chinese assess the relationship as productive and promising, providing China a measure of additional security against the Soviet Union and access to Western capital and technology. Senior Chinese officials have consistently indicated satisfaction with the main lines of U.S.–Chinese relations, while also noting differences in policy and