China's warm words to Hungary mark thaw in ties with East bloc

In the latest sign of growing ties between Peking and the Soviet Union's East European allies, China sent its first message in more than 20 years to Hungary's ruling communist party. The People's Daily, China's Communist Party newspaper, reported that the message was sent to mark Monday's opening of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party national congress in Budapest. It extended warm congratulations to the party and to the Hungarian people, saying Hungary had achieved great success in its socialist construction.