Exchanges with the People's Republic of China: Symbols and Substance

Abstract

Since the advent of Ping-Pong diplomacy in April 1971 and the joint U.S.-PRC Shanghai Communique almost a year later, the United States has become one of China's princi pal exchange partners—despite the absence of formal diplo matic relations. The countries' differing social systems and goals are well reflected in the exchange process and the im balance in flow of visitors: approximately 10,000 to 12,000 Americans to the PRC and barely 700 Chinese to the U.S. On the U.S. side, two general categories and four specific ex change "channels" are involved: "government-facilitated" exchanges, through direct negotiations and in cooperation with designated private organizations, and private arrange ments, ad hoc and through organizations apparently having a "special relationship" with the PRC. Although Americans of all backgrounds and viewpoints have visited China, formal exchanges of scholars have been heavily weighted in scien tific and technical fields, and cultural projects in performing arts and sports—reflecting Chinese but not always U.S. pref erences. Exchanges cannot be entirely removed from politics despite their avowed "people-to-people" nature, and critical problems remain concerning reciprocity, substantive content, and integrity. Although diplomatic relations might lead to extended student exchanges and cooperative research, the effect probably will be most evident in the form and content rather than volume of activity.