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DATE=11/9/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE / CHINA AMBASSADOR (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255989
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 
INTRO:  The appointment of a new U-S envoy to China is 
facing a delay in the Senate because of concerns about 
Taiwan.  V-O-A's David Swan reports.
TEXT: Retired Admiral Joseph Prueher appeared to be on 
the path to swift confirmation to the ambassador's 
post.  But now Republican Senator Bob Smith has placed 
a hold [delayed action] on the nomination -- which, 
under long-standing Senate rules, is his right.
Before allowing a confirmation vote, Mr. Smith wants 
to see secret Pentagon documents on the defense of 
Taiwan and a 1996 standoff between Taipei and Beijing.  
At the time, Admiral Prueher was commander of U-S 
forces in the Pacific.  He sent Navy ships into the 
Taiwan Straits in a show of support for the island.  
Later, however, the admiral visited China a number of 
times, meeting with high-level government officials 
and military leaders.
In a letter to the Pentagon, Mr. Smith voices concern 
about what he calls China's belligerence toward Taiwan 
and threats to the United States.  The senator says 
his questions about Admiral Prueher's stand on Taiwan 
must be addressed.
                 /// SMITH ACT ///
      It's a very sensitive position now, the 
      ambassador to China.  I mean, I've worked with 
      Admiral Prueher in the past and I don't have 
      anything personally against Admiral Prueher but 
      this information came to me and I just feel that 
      in my advise and consent role, it's not 
      unreasonable to ask for documents that are 
      classified, that may or may not have a bearing 
      on this case.
                 /// END ACT ///
Holds on nominations are common, and are usually 
lifted once a senator's grievances are addressed.  But 
with time running short in the current session of 
Congress, this hold could mean Admiral Prueher would 
not take up his new post until next year.  That would 
be a setback to the Clinton administration's effort to 
rebuild ties with China.  Relations were badly wounded 
by the accidental bombing of the Chinese embassy in 
Belgrade during the war over Kosovo.   (Signed)
NEB/DS/WTW
09-Nov-1999 16:05 PM EDT (09-Nov-1999 2105 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.