Clinton Meets With Dissident, Who Warns Against Trusting Chinese Leaders

China’s foremost dissident met with President Clinton on Monday, three weeks after his release from prison, and cautioned the president not to expect the Beijing government to keep its promises.

“I told him about some of the realities in China … and expressed the hope that in dealing with the Chinese communists, the United States will not be deceived,” Wei Jingsheng told a news conference after his meeting at the White House.

Wei said he was impressed with Clinton’s interest in pressing China to release more political prisoners, although the two did not discuss individual cases.

“He was very warm and he was very sincere,” Wei said of Clinton after their 35-minute meeting.

The 47-year-old former electrician was released and flown to the United States on Nov. 16. He had been imprisoned since 1979 for “counterrevolutionary activities,” although he was released briefly in 1993 but was imprisoned again a short time later.

Wei’s release last month came two weeks after Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s visit to the United States - a visit that included talks with Clinton and members of Congress, who questioned China’s human rights policies.

Wei said he cautioned Clinton not to place too must trust in Beijing’s leaders.

“In the West, you go by credibility, by the rule of law,” Wei said.

“That is never the case with the Chinese communists. They can make any promises, and they can go back on any promises. So in a way, it is like a sports competition. One side must obey all the rules, while the other side doesn’t have to. So it’s not a very fair game.”

Wei also said he did not offer the president any advice on specific issues.