The meeting between Soviet and Chinese leaders which took place in May, and the unexpected developments in China which took place simultaneously, reflected the mixed characteristics of a transition period in bold colours
Political life differed widely in the East and the West during 1989. While colossal changes were taking place from the Elbe to the Urals and their influence was being felt in many corners of the world, the status quo was unsaken in the Asia-Pacific region.
If the political climate in Asia is less changed, Soviet initiatives have nonetheless been clearly felt. There has been plenty of evidence that Moscow now wishes to play a more constructive part in the region.