Wallace: It seems that Chinese relations with capitalist America are better than Chinese

relations with the Soviet communists. Why is that?

Deng: China does not regard social systems as a criterion in its approach to problems.

The relations between China and the United States are determined in the context of their

specific conditions, and so are the relations between China and the Soviet Union.

Wallace: My producer says that I should ask you once again if you would like to meet

Gorbachev.

Deng: As I have said, if the Soviet Union can contribute to the withdrawal of Vietnamese

troops from Kampuchea, that will remove the main obstacle in Sino-Soviet relations. I

will say it once again: the Vietnamese invasion of Kampuchea constitutes the main

obstacle in Sino-Soviet relations. The stationing of troops by Vietnam in Kampuchea has

actually turned Sino-Soviet relations into a hot spot. Once this problem is solved, I will

be ready to meet Gorbachev. To be frank, I am over 82, already advanced in years. I have

long since accomplished my historical task of making overseas visits, and I am

determined not to take any more trips abroad. However, if this obstacle in Sino-Soviet

relations is removed, I shall be ready to break the rule and go to any place in the Soviet

Union to meet with Gorbachev. I believe a meeting like that will be of much significance

to the improvement of Sino-Soviet relations and the normalization of relations between

the two states.