President Bush claims to be the leader of democracy and freedom in the whole world. Just a day before he went to Malta to meet Mr. Gorbachev, who is loosening his iron hand on east Europe, President Bush vetoed the Chinese student immigration emergency bill H.R. 2712, which passed the House by 403:0 and the Senate unanimously.

Congressional micro-management was the only explanation given by the president. In the letter which he issued along with the directive implementing virtually an identical plan, he cited that "the administration needs flexibility in foreign policy."

The 40,000 Chinese students in America who have fought bitterly for a democratic China, and asked for the protection of the (United States), are extremely sensitive to this word: "flexibility."

While President Bush proclaims his protection, he maintains his flexibility . How flexible does he intend to be under pressure from the Beijing government? How flexible does he intend to be by contacting the stubborn and suddenly closed-up Beijing government?

These are questions every person of conscience should ask.

Since the (June) 4 massacre in Tiananmen Square, several important figures, including Mr. Nixon, Mr. Kissinger and finally Mr. Scowcroft have been sent to contact the Beijing government -- the same government that ordered the killing in Tian-an-men Square. President Bush claimed it would not be right to isolate the Chinese people, by this he meant the Beijing government.

This president's gamble received some credit after the Beijing government symbolically lifted Martial law. Why did they do this? To prove the president is a Chinese expert as he claims to be? Alternatively, would they like to trade for something.

Something, which they have been arrogant enough to claim they could afford to lose, but have since realized how precious it is. This something is the 40,000 Chinese students in America, who as an entity will greatly disturb the rule of the Beijing government, and promote a democratic China.

Now that the Beijing government has lifted martial law, they may soon make other concessions, such as releasing dissident Fang Lizhi in the American embassy as a sign.

But are these actions enough to say that the Beijing government now suddenly regrets the actions they took in Tiananmen Square?

More than 5,000 demonstrators have officially been reported as arrested, and arrests even intensified after the Romanian uprising. Additionally, brain washing is continuing.

If the president were ready to talk to the Beijing government as long as they want to talk to him, he would take those actions as a significant improvement.

The Beijing government is well known for its Machiavellian politics. Most of the 40,000 Chinese students in the (United States) are deeply involved in the Democracy Movement. Will they be adequately protected by a very low level Directive, which is further defined by the "flexibility' ' frame? Can they be protected enough?

The answer is no. They fear that this directive can be too easily withdrawn or changed at anytime.

In a letter, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi stated that this directive is not adequate to protect Chinese students because it conflicts with the existing law.

As a Chinese student myself, I have learned by communicating with relatives and friends in China how disappointed and perplexed they are by President Bush's veto. They are asking: How strong is his support?

Overriding Bush's first veto will send a strong message to all Chinese people who seek a more Democratic China that at least the American people stand by us.

Overriding Bush's veto of H.R. 2712 has already been scheduled on Jan. 24 as the first issue when Congress reconvenes. The Congress and the Chinese students have been actively preparing this override for a long time.

We, the Chinese students, are ready to fight. Congress is ready to fight. We can answer this challenge with your help. Please call your congressmen to show your support.