China offers missile replacement for Bolivia

China's communist leaders are advising the new leftist government in Bolivia to avoid upsetting the United States, but at the same time have offered to replace shoulder-fired missiles that a CIA-led operation removed from the South American country last year, U.S. intelligence officials said.

Bolivian President Evo Morales, during a recent visit to China, was told he should avoid actions that could lead to U.S. intervention and perhaps the ouster of his government, said officials familiar with intelligence reports.

The Chinese fear the United States will orchestrate a coup against Mr. Morales using sympathetic officers within the Bolivian military.

A Bush administration official said China told Mr. Morales, "You have to be nice to the United States," and the advice is part of Beijing's long-term strategy to undermine U.S. influence in the region and other parts of the world.

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