ABSTRACT
In this short paper 1 will discuss sorne of the difficulties which arose in the research for my interpretive chapter conceming Zhejiang contained in this volume, and relate these to the range of problems which 1 have faced at different times over the past two decades in conducting research at the provincial level of Chinese politics. The conclusions to be drawn from the following account may, however, have limited application to other provincial administrations, and generalizations may be difficult to draw, given the tendency for various Chinese provincial authorities to interpret in their own distinctive way central directives on many issues, and to adopt their own particular attitude toward the activities of foreign scholars. Such altitudes may range across the spectrum from assistance through indifference to open opposition, depending on such matters as the sensitivity and topicality of the research topic, the reputation and perceived attitude toward China of the scholar in question, and the current level of tension or relaxation in the social and political spheres. Different sections and levels of the bureaucracy within one jurisdiction may also take different positions on any particular project or subject.
