Only a month after the Tlananmen crackdown. President Bush began lifting the sanctions imposed against China. He sent National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft on a secret mission to toast senior Chinese Government officials. vetoed legislation that would have extended the visas of Chinese students in the United States. and waived sanctions suspending the export of satellites. the sale of aircraft. and the delay of international loans to China. In response to these gestures. the Chinese Government detained up to 30.000 dissidents. executed an undisclosed number of these courageous individuals. sentenced more than 800 to prison. and brought charges against those who supported the democracy movementincluding the worldrenowned astrophysicist Fang Lizhi. who was forced to take refuge in the United States Embassy. President Bush subsequently sent Brent Scowcroft on a second secret visit to Beijing. waived prohibitions on the export of licenses for satellites and United States support for ExportImport Bank loans for China. vetoed congressional sanctions regarding OPIC. trade assistance. and nuclear cooperation. and vetoed a bill to provide visas to Chinese students in the United States. In response. the Chinese Government continued its crackdown on prodemocracy advocates. purged moderate elements from the Government. harassed students and business entities abroad which were supportive of the democratic movement. and tightened restrictions on foreign press and reporters. Now the President wants to renew Chinas MFN status.