Senior leader Deng Xiaoping, in a meeting Tuesday with former President Nixon, said the United States was guilty of encouraging the pro-democracy movement in China and as a result had to share responsibility for last June's bloody crackdown on dissent.

"Frankly speaking, the United States was involved too deeply in the turmoil and counterrevolutionary rebellion which occurred in Beijing not long ago," Deng said. "China was the real victim, and it is unjust to reprove China for it."Deng, 85, looked tired and his hands visibly shook during the 95-minute meeting in the Great Hall of the People. He did not rise to greet the former president, as is customary, but waited inside the conference room for Nixon.

The two discussed matters ranging from the reform movement in Eastern Europe to China's political situation after the military crackdown in June.

"We had a very good, frank conversation," Nixon said in a statement to the press. "We found we did not agree on many elements, but we agreed on some."

Deng's strongly worded statement intensifies earlier accusations that "foreign elements" supported student-led protests that rocked China for seven weeks last spring.

Deng emphasized that responsibility lies with Washington to repair the present damage to bilateral ties.

"China has not done one single thing harmful to the United States," the paramount leader said. Deng added that "the U.S. should take the initiative" in improving relations.

Deng's strong statements sharply contradict recent Western press reports that several Chinese leaders have demonstrated remorse for the hundreds and perhaps thousands who died June 3-4. Chinese sources said a complete list of those killed in the crackdown might soon be announced publicly.

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Nixon is in Beijing on a weeklong fact-finding mission as a guest of the Chinese government.

In meetings with several Chinese leaders, he has made strong statements condemning the events of June but has emphasized that common interest will allow the two countries to overcome their differences.

"I have watched Chinese-American relations very closely for 17 years, and there has never been a more difficult crisis than at the present time," the former president said. "I think, however, we will find various issues which will bring us together, and we will be able to deal with the aftermath of the very tragic events of June 4."

Nixon emphasized that the two countries have too much in common to allow their relationship to deteriorate further.

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