Romanian President going to Peking: peace feeler?

President Nicolae Ceausescu of Romania, the only Soviet-bloc state having normal relations with China, left for Peking on an official visit, the Romanian news agency Agerpres said. It is the Romanian leader's fourth trip to China since 1964, and takes place at a time when the Kremlin is urging Peking to end 20 years of hostility toward Moscow.

Diplomats said it would be premature to conclude that Mr. Ceausescu's trip was linked with Soviet gestures toward China, but he is particularly well placed to play a mediating role if an opportunity arose. Western diplomats here said Ceausescu's talks would be watched closely both in Moscow and Washington for any signs of moderation in China's enmity toward the Kremlin