South China Morning Post Wednesday, June 9, 1999 Top-level PLA visit to Russia sends Washington strong signal OLIVER CHOU The visit of a high-level PLA delegation to Russia is a strong signal from Beijing to Washington over the US-led Nato bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, according to analysts. General Zhang Wannian, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, led a delegation to Moscow on Monday. Analysts said the seniority of delegation members was unusual. General Zhang took with him a selection of PLA generals in charge of military intelligence, armaments, the navy and air force, as well as the regional commander of areas close to Russia. One military analyst said: "Beijing has kept a busy schedule for military exchanges in the past month, but none involves a Western power, except for the visit of the Australian Defence Minister. The Russian navy commander and deputy chief of staff were in the Chinese capital in the past two weeks." Another analyst added: "It is by far the most vocal gesture Beijing has sent to Washington since it suspended military exchanges with the United States after the embassy bombing. "The portfolios of delegation members, mainly in hardware and weaponry systems, suggest the tour is likely to yield substantive results, such as arms agreements. But there is no way to know how far Russia will really help." Xinhua reported that General Zhang would hold talks with Russian leaders, including Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev, on bilateral co-operation and international security. In Moscow, the 71-year-old general said the Chinese-Russian strategic partnership was "in accordance with the fundamental interests of both countries and beneficial to the peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world".