21.   Occasionally, peer appraisal is used to improve ties between groups.

22.   On Wednesday evening, the powerful industry association led by Kao announced that he would travel to Beijing soon after the March elections to discuss improving economic ties.

23.   Other foreign government, eager to improve their ties with China, plan to have higher levels of diplomats attend.

24.   Others in the administration said the report had been worded in a fashion that they hoped would make clear to Iran the willingness of Washington to improve ties.

25.   President Jiang Zemin wanted Clinton to visit China this year as a symbol of improving ties between Beijing and Washington.

26.   Saudi Arabia, the closest ally of the United States in the region, had improved its ties to Iran.

27.   Such a test would likely scuttle an American proposal to improve economic ties with North Korea in exchange for restraint on weapons tests and sales.

28.   Szeto said Tung told him that if he wanted to improve ties with Beijing, he should cancel the commemoration.

29.   The American labor movement and the Fox administration have worked intensely to improve ties, partly because they share an interest in improving the lives of Mexican immigrants.

30.   The White House, which wants the prohibitions lifted, said the Senate vote would hurt chances of improving ties to Mexico.