Inside Report (5)

September 26, 1980

American firms have gotten about 400 licenses from Washington to sell "dual technology" to China. But don't look for many firm contracts soon. Reason: Chinese are worried about the costs.

Dual technology can be used for civilian or military purposes. Moscow resents US willingness to sell this capability to Peking. But the earliest and most publicized license, to sell ground equipment related to Landsat D, is hung up because it will cost them double what non-American companies charge for similar equipment.

China hopes the US will eventually help out with the cost of advanced technology items.m