DATE=8/27/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA / W-T-O (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253176
BYLINE=GRACE CUTLER
DATELINE=HONG KONG
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The future head of the World Trade
Organization has pledged to assist in China's entry
into global trade body. Grace Cutler reports from
Hong Kong, he expressed hope a breakthrough might come
at next month's Asia-Pacific summit.
TEXT: Mike Moore, who becomes World Trade
Organization Director-General next week, says it is
just a matter of time before China's 13 year old quest
to become a member of the World Trade Organization is
realized. On a visit to Hong Kong, Mr. Moore said he
hopes China's accession will happen before member
countries meet in the U-S West Coast city Seattle,
this November.
//MOORE ACT//
We do not have a world trade organization and we will
not have a world trade organization until it reflects
the world. And therefore the question is not if China
comes in, it is how China comes in, and when. It would
be a splendid thing if it were possible for China to
sit at the table as the great power she is in Seattle.
If that is possible I would do anything I could to
facilitate it.
//END ACT//
But Mr. Moore says much will depend on what happens at
the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in
Auckland next month, where Chinese President Jiang
Zemin will meet with President Bill Clinton.
Comments made by New Zealand's former prime minister
come amid thawing ties between China and the United
States. Several newspapers reported earlier this week
that Beijing is showing renewed interest in resuming
W-T-O discussions with Washington.
Talks between the two countries derailed four months
ago after NATO's mistaken bombing of the Chinese
embassy in Belgrade, in which three people were killed
and 27 others were injured.
The reports say the bombing may have slowed the pace
of negotiations, but did not change China's resolve to
join the organization.
U-S officials say they too look forward to the
possible resumption of talks.(signed)
NEB/GC/FC
27-Aug-1999 06:04 AM LOC (27-Aug-1999 1004 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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