DATE=10/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA AMBASSADOR (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255576
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: President Clinton's choice to be ambassador to
China has pledged to work for better communication and
steadier relations with Beijing. Retired Admiral
Joseph Prueher appeared before the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee (Thursday). V-O-A's David Swan
reports.
TEXT: In his testimony, the former naval officer
stuck closely to existing U-S policy, defending
engagement with China and calling for improved human
rights there. But he says the first order of business
is simply establishing clear communications, so
neither side is misunderstood.
Admiral Prueher told senators he has had both
constructive and acrimonious talks with Chinese
leaders - and if confirmed as ambassador, he will work
for a smoother relationship.
/// Prueher act ///
I plan to try to help create foundations for
long term resolutions of these problems, not
Band-Aids and not snapshots (temporary
measures). I would like to try to improve the
tone and the content of the dialogue between us
and China and do what I can to dampen some of
the swings that occur in our relationship.
/// End act ///
The nominee is a former Navy pilot and a Vietnam War
veteran. By the time he left the service, Admiral
Prueher had risen to command all U=S forces in the
Pacific. He occupied that post three years ago when
tensions rose between China and Taiwan - and in a show
of support for the island, U-S Navy ships sailed into
the Taiwan Strait. The admiral says the United States
must continue to keep balance in its relations with
the two sides.
/// Prueher act ///
It is something where I think our nation always
- and as a military person you always hope for
the best and prepare for the worst - not unlike
a Senate hearing.
/// End act ///
The Foreign Relations panel is expected to approve
Admiral Prueher's nomination, sending the matter on to
the full Senate. (Signed)
Neb/DS/LTD/JP
28-Oct-1999 13:29 PM EDT (28-Oct-1999 1729 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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