ZHU, CLINTON SHARE A GOOD LAUGH

When it comes to international relations, U.S. presidents can expect to hobnob with some folks you wouldn't invite to a backyard barbecue. But last week's visit to Washington by Chinese Premier Shu Rongji tested the limits of American hospitality.

In one breath, the premier said he promised China's cooperation in investigating allegations of spying and illegal campaign contributions, then laughingly denied that either of the charges had any merit.

So much for sincere cooperation.

When a fellow heads a totalitarian government over nearly one-fourth of the world's population, a president has to stay focused on someone like Premier Zhu.

But a lot of Americans wonder why a visiting premier who jokes about such important matters as spying and buying presidential elections should get so much civil diplomatic hospitality in our nation's capital.

A stronger president would have given the Chinese premier a stern lecture rather than negotiating trade concessions. But, then, Bill Clinton is no Harry Truman, is he?

Meanwhile, there are more allegations about Chinese coming out every day. This might be the time to call off the barbecue.