China, Romania plan closer ties

Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu and Chinese Chairman Hu Yaobang agreed to develop bilateral relations further on the third day of an official visit to China by the Romanian leader.

The New China News Agency said Mr. Hu discussed the international situation and the development of bilateral relations with Mr. Ceausescu and briefed him on China's internal affairs.

''They agreed that Sino-Romanian relations in the political, economic, and other fields will continue to grow,'' it added.

Mr. Ceausescu is the only Warsaw Pact leader to have remained neutral in the Sino-Soviet dispute. The Chinese, who highly value their close ties with the Romanians, have praised Mr. Ceausescu effusively during his visit and refrained so far from openly criticizing the Soviet Union, apparently to avoid any embarrassment to their guests.

Mr. Ceausescu said Romanians were elated by China's achievements. He added that during his visit talks would take place on stepping up economic collaboration and hinted that some kind of accord might be concluded. He also held talks with Premier Zhao Ziyang.