The World - News from March 11, 1988

Peace Corps officials said they began getting telephone calls from potential American applicants within hours after the news that China might be open to the Peace Corps for the first time. Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian said in Washington that China has decided in principle to accept Peace Corps volunteers. Details remain to be worked out on how many and where as well as what skills are needed, and officials said this could take two months to two years. The Peace Corps has been sending American teachers, technicians, professionals and community workers to foreign cities and villages since 1961 when it was started by President John F. Kennedy.