In emacs20, you don't need mule: it's part of emacs20. However, I'm not sure if Debian version contains the leim package. You can download and compile your self and make sure to include the leim package.
For GB, you need add one line in the .emacs: (set-language-environment 'Chinese-GB) and the following in your .Xdefaults: emacs.font: fontset-16 emacs.Fontset-0: -*-fixed-medium-r-normal-*-16-*-*-*-*-*-fontset-16, chinese-gb2312:-cclib-song-delicate-r-normal-*-16-*-*-*-*-*-gb2312*-*, ascii:-*-screen-medium-r-normal--16-*-*-*-*-*-*-* You can adapt the above settings to BIG5. Also, make sure the fonts are in your X window system. I'm able to read both GB and BIG5 files. Jinsong
