BEIJING : Ending the Sanctions

Secretary of State James A. Baker III is due here Friday for a three-day visit that will formally end U.S. political sanctions imposed on China after the 1989 Tian An Men Square massacre. It is unclear, however, whether Baker’s visit will represent any significant warming of U.S.-Sino relations.

The agenda is crowded with tough issues. Washington is unhappy with Beijing about political repression, overseas sales of missiles and nuclear technology, trade barriers, computer software piracy and exports of prison-made goods. Beijing, for its part, accuses the United States of interfering in China’s internal affairs and trying to subvert Communist rule.

The two sides will be searching for common ground, however, in promoting peace in Cambodia. Washington may also hope to enlist Beijing’s support in restraining an apparent North Korean attempt to build nuclear weapons.