NAS suspends science exchanges with China

The National Academy of Sciences, "shocked and dismayed by the action of Chinese government troops against peaceful demonstrators in Tiananmen Square and elsewhere in Beijing, with such great loss of life," last week suspended scientific exchanges with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other Chinese organizations. In telex messages to top Chinese science and education officials, NAS president Frank Press expressed hope of resuming cooperation. However, he said, "we must suspend all activities for the time being. We do so in outrage and sadness." The NAS action follows the Administration's decision to halt military aid to China and to allow Chinese students to extend their stay in the U.S. Members of Congress are threatening further sanctions. For example, Sen. Jesse Helms (R.-N.C.) is seeking contingency legislation to suspend trade, investment, financial, and other ties "if the atrocities continue." His bill would impose controls on high-technology exports, for instance, preventing export of modern com...