CENEAR50 (49) 1-52 (1972)
Chemical and Engineering News 1155 Sixteenth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
Editorial
Editor: PATRICK P. McCÙRDY Managing Editor: Melvin J. Josephs Assistant Managing Editors: Michael Heylin, James H. Krieger Senior Editors: Earl V. Anderson (New York); David M. Kiefer, Brendan F. Somerville Senior Associate Editors: Howard J. Sanders, Donald J. Soisson Staff Writer: Joseph Haggin Assistant Editors: Kathryn Campbell, Ernest L. Carpenter, Richard J. Seltzer Editing Services: Joyce A. Richards (Head) Editorial Reference: Barbara A. Gallagher Production Manager: Bacil Guiley Associate Production Manager: Leroy Corcoran Art Director: Norman W. Favin Art/Production: Dawn Leland NEWS BUREAUS: New York: William F. Fallwell (Head). Chicago: Ward Worthy (Assistant Editor). Houston: Bruce F. Greek (Head). San Francisco: Thomas T. Bradshaw (Assistant Editor). Washington: Fred H. Zerkel (Head), Thomas E. Feare (Assistant Editor) FOREIGN BUREAUS: London: Dermot A. O'Sullivan (Head). Tokyo: Michael K. McAbee (Head) ADVISORY BOARD: Aaron M. Altschul, Alfred E. Brown, Norman Coggeshall, Marcia Coleman, Herbert S. Gutowsky, Anna J. Harrison, James D. Idol, Jr., Norman Kharasch, Gerald D. Laubach, Lawrence Lessing, Norman J. Lewis, Paul Oreffice, Michael N. Papadopoulos, Rustum Roy, Herbert L. Toor
Published by AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
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Chinese connections Americans disagree in their assessment of Richard Nixon as President, but most seem to laud his overture to the People's Republic of China. And well they might. For he ended 22 years of stubborn refusal to accept reality—a reality perhaps not to our liking, but none the less real. We are both rather pragmatic peoples in many ways. The critical thing now is to make the proper shifts and turns that will help line us up for the President's "generation of peace." In the final analysis, much will depend on the various individual nongovernment probes now being made by both nations. Indeed, the Chinese currently seem to be laying much stress on "people-to-people" contacts, as C&EN assistant editor Richard J. Seltzer notes in his story (page 21 ). It tells of the visit now in progress by a team of scientists, first to come to the U.S. from the People's Republic. How our scientists, engineers, physicians, industrialists, economists, and journalists handle themselves in China, how their counterparts act in this country, and how both peoples react and relate to each other's representatives will be critical in shaping a true detente. Marshall Green, assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, put it this way earlier this fall at a China trade symposium: "There are . . . political advantages [related to trade] accruing to both sides which one should not lightly dismiss. Trade negotiations by private American firms may prove to be an especially significant arena for building mutual trust and confidence. Since major political issues are not likely to enter into these discussions, it should be possible to set a positive tone for future discussion of more troublesome matters." We are now in the tone-setting stage in which individual citizens will be largely responsible for converting present rather tenuous connections into the durable fabric of understanding and mutual benefits. Insensitivity or insincerity, or, on the other hand, empathy and forthrightness will form impressions that will endure no matter what the party lines. For the Chinese, like their Japanese neighbors, put much stock in sincerity and are quick to spot lack of it. Even subtle actions by Westerners are constantly measured against an almost mystical notion of sincerity. In fact, to use a vulgarism, sincerity is the name of the game. And it is not a game for mere tourists, neocolonialists, or con men. By all accounts, the Chinese are unbendingly serious about building their economy. We should match their serious purpose at all levels. Unfortunately, there is evidence that not all our unofficial ambassadors, actual or would-be, are of the highest quality. Julian Sobin, president of Sobin Chemicals (Boston) and three-time visitor to China this year, for example, can cite a number of "ugly American" anecdotes. He talks of the university professor who suggested that American visitors organize into some sort of clique that would "corner " the China market. He mentions the case of the high chemical executive who saw a trip to China as a steppingstone to his company's presidency. (He didn't get invited.) And there are other reports of U.S. businessman who have feigned support for Chinese policies or opposition to U.S. policies in a misguided effort to gain favor. Forget it. Green's advice to U.S. businessmen: Concentrate on price and quality, avoid political by-play, be aware of Chinese sensitivities. Likewise, scientists should stick to science. In similar vein, Sobin urges Americans dealing with Chinese to "act yourself," bone up on Chinese history, culture. The growing number of Chinese connections gives those involved individual leverage of potentially awesome dimensions. We hope they use it wisely. Patrick P. McCurdy
Advertising Management CENTCOM, LTD. (For list of offices see page 51 )
C&EN EDITORIALS REPRESENT ONLY THE VIEWS OF THE AUTHOR AND AIM AT TRIGGERING INTELLIGENT DISCUSSION.
Dec. 4, 1972 C&EN
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