This paper examines the "brain drain" phenomenon particularly in the context of Chinese students studying in the United States and the People's Republic of China's attempts to respond. An opening section critiques the "brain drain" notion arguing that it is an inadequate construct for the actual flow of personnel and ideas between industrialized and developing nations. A further examination of the delayed return of Chinese students studying in the United States notes the changes since the Tiananmen Square incident which have caused many Chinese students in the United States to take a "wait and see" attitude to returning. The central section describes the Chinese government's efforts to combat the delayed return phenomenon through improved living and working conditions and selection for study abroad of advanced students and scholars who are already working and have ties to institutions or jobs in China. In a discussion of why Chinese students are not returning, the paper cites the government's fears that many are seeking business opportunities, and others observe that students are watching for changes in the political and economic conditions. A final section offers suggestions to ensure that students who are delaying return do not make that decision permanent. An appended newsletter article describes the Chinese Student Protection Act. (JB)