Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

CHINA: "Zhu Rongji Meets With U.S. Trade Representative"

Che Yuming commented in official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao,3/5): "Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji exchanged views with U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky yesterday in a serious and pragmatic manner. Both sides agreed that China and the United States should continue devoting energy to narrowing the gaps to reach an agreement on China's entry into WTO as soon as possible."

"China, U.S. To Narrow Gap On WTO Entry"

Shao Zongwei said in official English-language China Daily (3/5): "China and the United States agreed yesterday to continue their joint efforts to narrow the gap to reach an agreement on China's entry into the WTO, official sources said. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs spokesman Zhu Bangzao said China's approach to the WTO issues has always been active and pledged that China will continue its efforts for an early completion of the negotiations."

"Sino-U.S. Security Seminar Held'

Official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) ran this Xinhua News Agency piece (3/5): "The seminar was attended by...top U.S. military officials headed by former Defense Secretary William Perry.... All the delegates agreed that in 1999 Sino-U.S. diplomatic ties, which were established 20 years ago, entered a new era of development.... The U.S. delegation holds that consensus exceeds divergence, and cooperation surpasses contradictions between the two countries. China is getting increasingly constructive and conscious of responsibilities in both regional and international affairs, and the United States is not willing--in fact, is unable--to sever its cooperation with China." [Note: This same article appeared in the People's Daily Overseas Edition.]

"American Brand Of Capitalism Invites Resentment"

Huang Qing noted in official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 3/5): "Facing the global financial crisis, the United States is behaving like a rural rich man...only busy collecting money but reluctant to shoulder any responsibility. The author of the article believes that this is because the United States lacks the global vision and sense of duty to the world."

"Jiang Zemin Meets With Albright"

Official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) front-paged this by Liao Xianwang (3/3); the same article appeared on the front page of Beijing Daily and Economic Daily: "President Jiang Zemin said, 'Since my first meeting with U.S. President Bill Clinton in Seattle in 1993, we have met many times and exchanged views on Sino-U.S. relations and international issues of common concern.' Albright expressed that the United States attaches great importance to its ties with China and has adopted a positive attitude towards promoting bilateral relations. The United States will continue the establishment of a constructive strategic partnership, which is carrying out the decision made by both countries' leaders."

"Partnership Vital To Sino-U.S. Ties"

Sun Shangwu noted on the front page of official, English-language China Daily (3/3): "President Jiang Zemin believes that Premier Zhu Rongji's planned visit to the United States in April will enhance mutual understanding between both countries' leaders and people.

"He also believes that Zhu's trip will advance bilateral ties. Albright said the U.S. government...believes that Zhu's visit will be a success."

"Sound Relations Is Common Desire"

Shao Zongwei said in official English-language China Daily (3/3): "Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao outlined the nations' efforts to alleviate the impacts of the Asian financial crisis, and to control the nuclear arms race in South Asia. He said these efforts have been 'effective.' Zhu said the Taiwan issue must also be handled properly if Sino-U.S. relations are to continue to develop on a sound track. Zhu Bangzao called the Pentagon's report regarding the 'so-called' mainland China's missile threat against Taiwan 'a serious interference into China's internal affairs. China urges the U.S. to observe the principles contained in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, in addition to its promises regarding Taiwan,' Zhu said."

"Human Rights Record In U.S."

Official, English-language China Daily had this on its opinion page (3/2): "The United States has issued its '1998 Human Rights Report.' Again, posing as a 'human rights judge.' The United States has attacked the human rights records of more than 190 countries and regions. The report accuses China of committing 'widespread and well documented human rights abuses,' but did not say a single word about the human rights problems in America.... The United States does not have a good human rights record itself but likes to play the role of the 'world human rights policeman,' making unwarranted accusations about other countries.... The U.S. government needs to pay attention to its own human rights situation, mind its own business, and avoid interfering in the internal affairs of other countries."

"Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman On Human Rights Report"

Official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 2/28) carried this Xinhua News Agency item: "Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue pointed out that, without uttering a single word about the cases of serious human rights violations in its own country, the U.S. government issued a human rights report pointing the finger at other countries. The report fabricated unwarranted charges against other countries' human rights conditions, and made irresponsible comments about their internal affairs. This is a typical example of having a double standard on the human rights issue. China expressed strong resentment and firm opposition to the U.S. actions, and urged the United States to stop using the pretext of human rights to interfere in another country's internal affairs."

"Satellite Ban Detrimental"

Jing Xian commented in official, English-language China Daily (2/27): "The U.S. government's decision to prevent a satellite sale to Asian Pacific Mobile Telecommunications by claiming national security concerns has once again put Sino-U.S. relations under stress. It is hypocritical to see the United States criticizing China for a trade deficit--in part, resulting from inventive statistics provided by the United States, while on the other hand preventing normal trade. Despite the U.S. domination in world affairs, it appears that a few people begrudge China's remarkable economic achievements and enhanced political status. Sadly, this irrational sense of insecurity manifests itself in claims of 'technology theft' or a 'Chinese threat.'"

HONG KONG: "Sino-U.S. Confrontation A No-Win Scenario"

The independent Hong Kong Standard's editorial maintained (3/9): "Sino-U.S. confrontation is a no-winner. Since the strategic partnership for the two nations has been agreed on, it is important that the two sides keep communications clear and avoid any miscalculation.

"Against this background, Premier Zhu Rongji's first trip to America next month is essential in keeping the conflicts within the framework that still provides room for the two countries to develop their relations."

"U.S.-Sino Ties Threatened By Missile Moves"

The independent Hong Kong Standard's Cary Huang wrote (3/9): "The recent U.S. attempt to build the Theatre Missile Defense (TMD) system has demonstrated deep-rooted distrust between the two nations.... Beijing might suspect that the United States is using the furor caused by North Korea's missile test to expand its security agreements into another Cold War era anti-communist bloc, which, stretching from Australia to Japan, is encircling the Middle Kingdom by periphery. If Washington goes ahead it would ruin a 'cooperative strategic partnership' agreed to by the two nations in recent years as Beijing would see the move as an aggressive tool of U.S. containment against a rising mainland, rather than a pure defense shield."

"Cross-Straits Issue Should Not Fall Into American Trap"

Independent Ming Pao Daily News had this editorial view (3/8): "A cross-straits conflict would only let the United States and Japan gain more profits. TMD gives Washington a new bargaining chip to pressure Beijing during Sino-U.S. conflicts. Meanwhile, armament expansion on both sides of the straits will give the United States, the biggest arm dealer, a chance to make more money."

"China, U.S.--Neither Friends Nor Enemies"

An editorial in independent Sing Tao Daily News pointed out (3/8): "Due to several decades of hostility and their ideological differences, it is not easy for China and the United States to get rid of their wariness. Hence, they cannot become close friends. Premier Zhu Rongji will visit the United States in April. It is reasonable for people to hope that this visit will achieve some substantial results so as to bring about warmer relations between the two countries."

"Human Rights Violations Acceptable Except Outside The U.S."

Jackie Sam told readers of the independent Hong Kong Standard (3/6): "American Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was in the mainland--going on and on about Beijing's human rights record. Meanwhile, back home in the United States, the American government's utter disregard for human rights continues to unfold.... Washington now believes it has the right to subject every country's human rights record to close scrutiny while it is free to send its forces anywhere to kill people as they are doing with the Iraqis. Or snatching individuals in Asia and the Middle East for trial on trumped-up charges in the United States. People around the world from time to time turn to terrorism against American embassies precisely because they feel that scores must be settled. Can anyone blame them?"

"Time To Ease Dangerous Tensions"

Charles Snyder judged in the independent Hong Kong Standard (3/5): "If these are not the worst of times, from Washington's perspective, they are not far off.... Many of the strains between China and the United States may be in the psychological sphere. Neither side is going to do anything to hurt the other. But tensions beget tensions. And those beget misperceptions and miscalculations. And those beget trouble, which could be global in scope. It's time for both sides to back off."

"Smiles Are Wearing Thin"

Willy Wo-Lap Lam judged in the independent South China Morning Post (3/3): "Despite the sour mood between China and America, the possibilities are relatively low that bilateral Sino-U.S. relations will degenerate into the kind of full-fledged standoff we had immediately after the June 4, 1989 crackdown. The failure of both sides to reach a meeting of the minds during the just-ended visit of U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, however, testifies to a disturbing deterioration of ties. The divergence of views on issues including human rights, trade, Taiwan, Tibet and regional security seems to be widening. If these differences are not ironed out during Premier Zhu Rongji's American tour next month, bilateral relations could go into a vicious circle that will invalidate much of the 'strategic partnership' cemented between Presidents Jiang Zemin and Bill Clinton only last summer.... Leaders in both Beijing and Washington still seem intent on fence-mending. But seldom have factors largely beyond their control, such as an escalation of unrest in western China or the rise of pro-independence activism in Taiwan, been so well-positioned to throw bilateral relations into disarray."

"Time To Put U.S.-China Relations Back On Track"

The independent South China Morning Post's editorial stressed (2/28): "Mere platitudes about democracy and rule of law as distant goals will not do the job; some tangible proof that China has some moderately liberal goals would go far to offset suspicions it is becoming an unpleasant place enforcing stability. Each side needs, as President Jiang noted, a bit more understanding of the other. If the Albright and Zhu visits succeed, China may learn how to convince the world that its values do not exclude tolerance, while America would remember how to display a bit more patience. If they do, all Asia will be the winner."

JAPAN: "U.S., China Must Continue Dialogue"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai pointed out (3/3): "As things stand, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the United States, scheduled for April, will probably not produce significant results. Secretary of State Albright visited Beijing to break the deadlocked bilateral relations. However, the secretary's talks with Chinese leaders showed that it is not easy to restore the troubled diplomatic relationship.... [The United States and China] only agreed to continue working jointly towards China's admission to the WTO. Aggravating Sino-U.S. relations will have a serious effect on world peace and stability. The two countries will have to promote dialogue constantly to restore their relationship."

"U.S. Mulls How To Avoid Further Setbacks In Sino-U.S. Ties"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai's Beijing correspondent Nakazawa observed (3/2): "Secretary of State Albright...and Chinese officials agreed to continue working jointly toward realizing China's admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, Secretary Albright clashed with the Chinese leaders over China's crackdown on dissidents.... Albright illustrated Washington's policy of separating China's WTO membership from the human rights issue. On Taiwan, she also reiterated the 'one China' policy--out of what was believed to be consideration for her hosts--in order to check a further setback in U.S.-Chinese relations."

"China, Russia Boast Of Strategic Cooperation"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai pointed out in an editorial (3/1): "Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji made a three-day visit to Russia during which he and Russian officials signed 11 memorandums on economic cooperation. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia and China have not only strengthened economic cooperation but also taken joint steps in dealing with global issues. After his meeting with Premier Zhu, Russian Prime Minister Primakov noted that Russo-Chinese relations have never been better....

"China and Russia also share the awareness that they need to oppose the 'dominant' leadership of the United States, the only superpower in the post-Cold War world. However, it is unlikely that the two countries will go readily to the extent of forming a new alliance. This is because both the Chinese and Russians know that their economies will need such strategically important countries as the United States, Japan and Europe. They also know that they cannot give priority to forming the alliance at the sacrifice of their fundamental relations with the United States, Japan and European countries."

AUSTRALIA: "Softly, Softly With China"

The national business Australian Financial Review opined (3/9): "The fraught relations between Washington and Beijing continue to cast a shadow over our region.... If the hawkish school of thought prevails in the American debate, then the chances of integrating China into a peaceful world would be significantly remote.... As for human rights disputes, Dr. Madeleine Albright's sharp exchange of words with the Chinese foreign minister last week...was necessary, if only because it allowed the American political system to let off some steam over Tibet, Taiwan and Beijing's political prisoners. But it would be counterproductive for the United States to use trade sanctions to force political openness in China.... And despite the present dispute over Taiwan, it is imperative that Washington understand that accommodation with Beijing is the only effective way to guarantee a responsible China."

INDONESIA: "Sino-U.S. Cooperation Continues Despite Differences"

Leading independent Kompas observed (3/4): "Washington's willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation is apparent in Albright's...and [USTR] Barshefsky's visits to Beijing.... Although the United States and China have differences in terms of human rights, the two major powers seemingly seek an increase in economic and trade cooperation. Perhaps due to that shared view of the significance of economic cooperation, the United States and China sometimes ignore friction between them regarding trade, human rights, and Taiwan issues.... The U.S. position toward China is very interesting. The United States seemingly must compromise with China, especially since it cannot dictate to China on trade and human rights issues. China continuously demonstrates an unyielding attitude against U.S. pressure, including the threat of economic embargo."

MACAU: "Main And Adverse Current Of Sino-U.S. Relations"

Pro-PRC Macau Daily News had this (3/3): "Groundless criticisms and the increasing hostile comments against China are an adverse current hindering the progress of Sino-U.S. relations.... Madeleine Albright's China visit is to pave the way for Premier Zhu Rongji's visit next month. Albright's visit included exchanging ideas with senior Chinese officials, narrowing differences and promoting the development of the bilateral relationship.... In the mind of the United States, China is a huge and profitable market. As far as China is concerned, it needs resources and advanced technology from the United States to quicken its pace of modernization. These factors provide the momentum and foundation for Sino-U.S. relations, keeping them on the right track even though they have encountered severe tests."

PHILIPPINES: "Strategic Partnership Continues"

The government-owned Journal's editorial asserted (3/4): "U.S. Secretary of State Albright told Chinese leaders the other day that Washington wants to see the release of Chinese political prisoners soon.... Don't believe this kind of talk. While Albright is talking this way, the strategic partnership with China continues. Preferential trade continues, transfer of military technology continues and diplomatic ties remain as warm as ever. The human rights line is intended to appease the domestic consumption, particularly the Democrats who believe that the world has to be fashioned in the image of Washington.

"But deep in her heart, Albright knows that China will just listen to her but continue with its domestic policy of political control while giving some economic concessions to the middle class. The problem for Filipinos is when the U.S.-China strategic partnership extends to the Spratlys. If that is so, then goodbye Kalayaan Sea."

SINGAPORE: "Better To Talk Softly"

The pro-government Straits Times judged in an editorial (3/6): "U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright went to Beijing to top up the warm fuzzies before China's Premier Zhu Rongji meets President Bill Clinton next month during an awkward phase in relations. She failed, not for want of trying, but because she permitted the human rights bugbear to intrude beyond the threshold of diplomatic discourse.... Pushing a cause is fine, but demanding change in a different cultural and political milieu is simply wrong.... The United States has to ask itself whether obsession over certain value judgments is not clouding its strategic outlook. The fact of the matter is that in human freedoms, China can change only gradually and by its own standards.... Ms. Albright was not wrong to say disquiet is bipartisan.... China can and should be more purposeful about loosening controls. That can only help in its efforts to play a global role."

"An Opportunity For U.S., China"

The pro-government Business Times concluded (3/3): "There are clearly legitimate concerns in both Washington and Beijing about the way each side signals intentions and shapes policies towards the other. But as China and the United States emerge as two of the leading geopolitical and economic powers of the Pacific region in the 21st century, both sides need to resolve those concerns, and not permit them to dominate their bilateral agenda. China needs U.S. investment and technology, while Americans hope to penetrate the lucrative Chinese markets, suggesting that delinking human rights from trade policy and reaching an agreement on allowing the Chinese to join the WTO will provide Washington and Beijing with mutual benefits. China and the United States should also establish a stable strategic balance of power in the region that will include Japan, Korea and ASEAN, and create an environment conducive for a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue. One hopes that Ms. Albright's visit will provide an opportunity for the two sides to accentuate those common interests and to start lowering the tensions between them."

"Split In U.S. Perception Of China"

The pro-government Straits Times featured this commentary (3/2) by U.S. correspondent Lee Siew Hua: "Virtually ever year, there is a predictable blow-up in the U.S.-China relationship that often stems from politics, and the sense that President Bill Clinton is vulnerable on his China policy.... This year, the scrapped Hughes deal has added another crimp to the U.S.-China relationship, which is in for a tough year with new tension arising over national security, human rights and trade."

"Roughing Up Sino-U.S. Ties"

Pro-government Straits Times emphasized (3/1): "By now, the Clinton administration must know enough to negotiate seriously with Beijing. To be fruitful, it has to take a broad-based approach and focus mainly on economics, not human rights.... The Sino-U.S. relationship is much too important to be held hostage to congressional politics or Beijing's treatment of political dissidents. The big picture painted by senior U.S. officials shows that Washington is 'geared to facilitate the emergence of a China that is stable and non-aggressive; that cooperates with us to build a secure regional and international order; that adheres to international rules of conduct.'

"This should provide a sound working basis to resolve outstanding Sino-U.S. problems. It does not mean that things will all be hunky-dory. This just ensures that the relationship is kept on an even keel, despite the sharp differences between them."

SOUTH KOREA: "Human Rights And China"

Conservative Chosun Ilbo predicted (3/4): "The Sino-U.S. relationship is headed toward a difficult period because of the debate over human rights. One defense China is always ready to put forward is the disparity between capitalism and socialism with regard to the standards required on human rights. We cannot say China has no basis to stick to this stance, but the larger truth is that there has to be absolute and basic human rights."

VIETNAM: "Ups And Downs In Sino-U.S. Relations"

Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs weekly Quoc Te maintained (3/8): "U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's visit to China seemed to focus on only two contentious issues: human rights and Chinese military strategy. At the same time, China bitterly opposes a U.S. plan to establish the 'theater missile defense' system on which the United States has cooperated with Japan and South Korea (and is considering the inclusion of Taiwan). On human rights issues, China warned the United States not to interfere in its internal work and suggested the United States 'tidy up its own house.' However, it is thought by many that despite the ups and downs, Sino-U.S. cooperation is still an important factor in both countries' foreign policies. At times, each of them takes the initiative to create the ups and downs in order to have the advantage and an upper position in high-level negotiations."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "That Elusive Chinese Spring"

The independent weekly Economist contended (3/5): "Whatever the verbal posturing attached to the 'strategic partnership' (Clintonian rhetoric that the president may come to regret), the reality is that the Chinese-American relationship is arguably at its lowest point since March, 1996, when China deliberately fired missiles into the sea perilously close to Taiwan.... But beyond the debating points lurks a different question, to which there is no good answer, or at least no comforting one. Has the Clinton administration's behavior towards China not been rather inconsistent? Some people would say that America and China are too big, and the Cold War's aftermath too complex, for consistency, beyond the recognition that 'engagement'--in trade, military cooperation, academic relations and so on--is better than confrontation or its lesser cousin, containment.... Yet, in the end, perhaps the most convincing answer is the familiar one: That Mr. Clinton sets the tone and, unlike most of his predecessors, simply finds foreign policy less than fascinating. When he concentrates, he is brilliant. Neither the Northern Ireland settlement nor the Wye River deal could have happened without his involvement. But then his concentration flags--with or without the worry of impeachment--and his achievements unravel."

"Unconstructive, Less Engaged"

The independent Financial Times said (3/4): "An intense round of American diplomacy this week is attempting to save a pillar of President Clinton's foreign policy: constructive engagement with China. The trouble is that since his visit to China last year, he has precious little to show for it. Now, all of a sudden--or so it seems--a new issue has emerged that could expose the fault lines between the two countries: missile defense.... Beijing is violently opposed to the introduction of a theater missile shield anywhere in Asia, as an unwelcome shift in the balance of force there.

"But it is the prospect of a U.S.-furnished missile shield for Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province, which has provoked the most extreme reaction.... With difficulties almost across the board, American and Chinese officials are hoping for a breakthrough in the one area where it still is possible: China's accession to the WTO. That could cap a visit to Washington next month by Prime Minister Zhu Rongji. Given China's economic difficulties, getting an agreement that will satisfy American business and farm interests--and other members of the WTO--will be far from easy. And even if an accord is reached, the unusual warmth between the two countries that was demonstrated during Mr. Clinton's visit last year is unlikely to return for some time to come."

"Albright Braves Beijing Visit Hit By Disputes"

The independent Financial Times had this from Beijing (3/3): "Madeleine Albright put a brave face yesterday on a visit to China which was marked by sharp disputes over human rights and an American plan to deploy an anti-missile defense shield in Asia.... Her comments were intended to show that in spite of disagreements, Washington's bedrock policy of engagement with China was not in danger of revision.... However, the apparent lack of progress on a range of bilateral issues did not augur well for a crucial visit to the United States in April by Zhu Rongji, the Chinese premier. The chances of a breakthrough on any of the items included in a U.S. 'wish list' for Mr. Zhu's summit seemed slim."

"U.S., China Trade Rights Charges"

The liberal Guardian concluded (3/2): "Spring has become the traditional season when Washington and Beijing square off about human rights, trade and Taiwan.... Last year's euphoric talk of a budding Sino-American strategic partnership has long faded."

"Chinese Puzzle"

The independent Financial Times' editorial judged (3/2): "The relationship between the United States and China is in one of its mood swings, with the presence in Beijing of Madeleine Albright seeming to highlight how little the countries have in common.... The only apparent advance is the fresh intensity of negotiations over China's accession to the WTO.... It is right to talk tough to China. But there is no real alternative to engaging China on as many fronts as possible. To allow China to retreat into itself at this stage of its development would be a serious error. But the Chinese leadership must justify the political capital invested by the U.S. administration. While internationalist leaders such as Mr. Zhu and President Jiang Zemin are hindered by conservatives who see any concession as a sign of weakness, the risks to the Chinese leadership of alienating Washington are now greater than the risks of aggravating political opponents in Beijing."

FRANCE: "Asia: A Delicate Game Of 'Go'"

Pierre Beylau opined in right-of-center weekly Le Point (3/5): "It is a gigantic 'go' game that is being played in Asia, where the strategic landscape has entered a phase of turbulence. But this game is not being played by only two partners. It implies numerous partners: China, the two Koreas, Japan, India, Pakistan, Taiwan. The shadow of the United States covers the whole ensemble. India and Pakistan dramatically asserted their nuclear power status.... China reinforced its missiles batteries against Taiwan.... At the request of Washington, the Japanese parliament is about to look into a series of texts allowing its own defense forces to play a more important regional military role at the United States' side.... Something is certain: In this great strategic readjustment, the Chinese pride will not accept to see the Celestial Empire tucked away in second position. Trying to isolate China is useless."

"China Pays Court To Washington To Join WTO"

Eric Chol, Hong Kong correspondent for centrist La Tribune, stressed (3/5): "Charlene Barshefsky left Beijing after two days of intense negotiations about the condition of admission of China to the WTO.... The desire of the United States to reach an agreement seems as great as China's, if one considers the numerous visits to Beijing of American officials in the last few days.... The impatience of the United States to see China join the WTO can be explained by the worrisome increase of their trade imbalance."

"China Closer To WTO?"

Caroline Puel emphasized in left-of-center Liberation (3/3): "As expected, the visit to China by the head of U.S. diplomacy, Madeleine Albright, is taking place in a very tense climate.... The only area where there seems to be a possible agreement is limited today to the financial subjects.... For the first time, the United States seems to be receptive to Chinese membership in the WTO, and which has been on hold for 12 years."

"Cold Relations Between Washington And Beijing"

Jean-Jacques Mevel opined from Washington in right-of-center Le Figaro (3/1): "Human rights, Taiwan, communication satellites, the secretary of state will attempt to smooth things out.... Only eight months after Bill Clinton and his counterpart, Jiang Zemin, reasserted their 'strategic partnership', the American-Chinese relationship is back in one of those compulsive cycles of mutual recriminations and lack of understanding. Madeleine Albright's assignment during this two-day visit to Beijing and six days in the rest of Asia, will be to make amends."

GERMANY: "Merchants"

Petra Kolonko argued in an editorial in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (3/3):

"We could not expect the Chinese government to make any concessions to Secretary of State Albright.... Madeleine Albright is told that Beijing does not tolerate any interference. But Mrs. Albright found strong and clear words concerning the persecution of opposition forces in China. This is more than other visitors dared to say. But the subject of human rights has probably played only a minor role during Albright's talks in Beijing. More important Sino-U.S. issues deal with China's accession to the WTO.... Washington is obviously afraid that Beijing could lose interest in the WTO after lengthy fruitless negotiations. For the United States, the opening of the Chinese market is of great significance since the United States has a great trade deficit with China."

"A Necessary Tightrope Act"

Right-of-center Schwaebische Zeitung of Leutkirch maintained (3/3): "Bill Clinton's policy of engagement with China is a tightrope act that falters between strategic partnership and seriously meant admonishments. There will be no simple solutions between Americans and Chinese. If both sides acknowledge this fact and continue to develop their dialogue and cooperation, much will have been won. This is a policy of small steps, but this is why it is all the more important."

"Washington Takes It Too Easy"

Horst Klaeuser commented on regional radio station Hessischer Rundfunk of Frankfurt (3/3): "The United States must answer the question of which standards are applied to which country. Human rights are not divisible; they do not play a role when it comes to frictionless trade and a possibly uncomplicated exchange of goods. Individuals and their lives are involved. The government in Washington takes it too easy.

"It is revealing that the United States reacts to oppression in Cuba with inappropriate and antiquated sanctions and places Burma on the 'Black List.' But it is a serious mistake to close both eyes (to human rights violations) in China."

"Alleged U.S. Boldness"

Right-of-center Magdeburger Volksstimme (3/3) said: "The alleged U.S. boldness in relations is being reduced when looking at U.S.-Chinese trade relations. It is not surprising that the Middle Kingdom, which is one of the most important U.S. trading partners, continues to harass dissidents, while the Americans, whose companies strike billion dollar deals with China, do not apply the pressure that usually follows their threats. The system of economic dependencies is degrading human rights to a good of secondary importance."

"Albright Did Not Waste Too Much Time On Human Rights"

Right-of-center Nordbayerischer Kurier of Bayreuth (3/3) had this to say: "U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright did not waste too much time addressing human rights issues in Beijing. Free trade guarantees the jobs of many Americans, and in this situation the individual freedom of the Chinese has to step back."

"Albright Is Right"

Johnny Erling maintained in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (3/2): "Despite tough words, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright emphasized an uncomfortable truth: The United States has multi-faceted relations with the Chinese global power, and human rights are only one aspect of them. The United States knows very well that it needs cooperation with China to influence North Korea or the arms race between India and Pakistan, the Asian crisis, and the climate disaster.... In all these questions, China also needs the United States. Washington knows that it is easier for the United States to force China to open its market than its prisons. These will be opened only if pressure comes from China's society itself. The internal fermentation process can no longer be stopped. This is why it is no contradiction that, despite the brutal oppression of the opposition, China's society has continued to open up in 1998. Albright is well advised to use tough words to address the human rights situation, and, at the same time, improve cooperation with China in other sectors."

ITALY: "Dialogue Of The Deaf"

An editorial in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica held (3/3): "Talks were `friendly and open'. This is a diplomatic formula that leaves no doubts.... The U.S. secretary of state's visit was a failure. Talks with the prime minister...did not produce more than a firm Chinese condemnation of repeated Western attempts to interfere in Beijing's domestic affairs.... Not even on the issue of Taiwan was any progress made.... Albright's visit ended with the only result being the underlining of the profound differences between Washington and Beijing which cannot be overcome for the time being. Indeed, the real, substantial reason for disagreement concerns the new U.S. role as the only world power. This is a role that China fears and rejects.... It is even more worried because it is aware it has not the power or opportunity to counteract Washington's ambitions. So China is left with the only choice--attacking America rather than accepting a constructive dialogue with it."

"If China Threatens"

Provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio told its readers (3/3): "The results of Madeleine Albright's visit to Beijing show that the policy so far followed by the Clinton administration with China is wrong....

"At this point the Clinton administration is realizing that it is indispensable to go ahead with the missile defense installation in Asia.... Linking the issues of human rights with trade issues does not work."

"Honeymoon Has Cooled"

Leading business Il Sole-24 Ore noted (3/2): "Human rights on one side and Taiwan on the other made yesterday's talks in Beijing with American Secretary of State Albright very tough. The honeymoon between China and the United States, which began last year with President Clinton's visit, is at a cooler stage. As for North Korea, the two countries might reach a deal...but probably this is the only substantially positive result. It is doubtful that Albright's visit will produce any steps forward--such as China's much looked-for entrance into the WTO."

"Tough Words, No Impact?"

PDS (leading government party) L'Unita concluded (3/2): "Human rights stirred up a quarrel between China and the United States. But trade prevented the secretary of state's visit from turning into an open war with Beijing.... Indeed, the United States' tough words (on human rights violations) did not alarm the Chinese Communist leadership...and, for sure, Prime Minister Rongji got results: the American commitment not to mix the human rights dossier with the trade one. Secretary Albright herself was clear on this."

RUSSIA: "There's No Crisis"

Yuri Savenkov said in reformist Izvestiya (3/3): "China, as an emerging power, demands respect and holds that every country is entitled to its own idea of human rights. Its policy today is economic liberalization and rigid political control. By wisely combining the two, the Chinese hope to ensure stability, and they are freer today than at any time in their long history. As it follows the road of a free market economy, China can build a Western-type society. But that takes time.... The partners, America and China, may have differences, but there is no crisis between them."

"Stability Top Priority"

Aleksandr Timofeyev pointed out in reformist Vremya-MN (3/2): "Albright will not succeed in shaking Beijing's resolve to maintain internal stability at all costs. Given the difficult economic situation, there is no hope that it will stop suppressing the opposition any time soon."

BELGIUM: "Dangerous Ping-Pong Game Between Beijing And Washington"

Diplomatic correspondent Pierre Lefevre judged in independent Le Soir (3/1): "It is a dangerous ping-pong game that Beijing and Washington are playing for the moment.... These last months, China has offered very few arguments to those who favor a policy of commitment with China. Since the end of last year, it has hardened the repression on its dissidents, despite the promises made during the last Clinton-Jiang Zemin summit.... It seems that a bitter debate is going on in Washington on the attitude to adopt toward China, in which the Congress, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Department of Commerce are taking part. The proximity of the presidential elections, where the candidate Al Gore cannot appear too lenient toward Beijing, can only exacerbate this situation."

DENMARK: "WTO A Good Starting Point"

Center-right Jyllands-Posten editorialized (3/3): "Chinese membership of the WTO would be a good starting point in the process of democratization of the world's most populous nation. The

"Americans have gradually come to the realization that developments in China occur at a pragmatic tempo. International pressure rarely provides any results. Over the last ten years a modest improvement in human rights has taken place. Increased trading opportunities could intensify this tendency. As a member of the WTO, China would simply have too much to lose by turning the clock back to Tiananmen Square."

HUNGARY: "Beijing And Human Rights"

Influential Magyar Hirlap featured this op-ed commentary (3/2) by foreign affairs writer Csilla Medgyesi: "This year, however, reactions to [human rights] criticism in China are more nervous than usual, because there are going to be more anniversary celebrations that are politically sensitive: the Republic of China was founded 50 years ago, the anti-China uprising in Tibet was brought down 40 years ago and Tienanmen square happened 10 years ago. The communist administration fears it these anniversaries are ready to 'explode' without needing additional external spark.... And as was put by the otherwise quite tough and strong U.S. secretary of state in referring to China: 'After a while, we've realized that it is not such a good idea to link human rights and trade issues.' Could there be anything more to add?"

THE NETHERLANDS: "Visit Ended Discordantly"

Influential, liberal De Volkskrant said (3/3): "The visit of Madeleine Albright to Beijing ended as discordantly as it started: with a clash on human rights. The secretary of state's criticism has not been heard.... The ongoing U.S. warnings suggest that nothing has changed in China since the days of Mao. However, even Chinese who are concerned about human rights and democracy know that this is not the case.... Of course it is true that human rights are universal and every convicted dissident is one too many. But...in these days of economic crises and unemployment, the Communist Party has set its national priority: to prevent a protest movement that could take China down into chaos.... One could say that everything that could go wrong did go wrong in U.S.-China relations. Albright's visit was the crown on this failure. True, China really deserves the low U.S. grades for its human rights policy. But a student who does not want to be a student does not like to be reprimanded by a teacher whom it does not trust."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Taiwan Must Not Be Part Of TMD--China"

The centrist Hindu featured this analysis (3/9) by Tokyo correspondent F.J. Khergamvala: "Nearly four years after telling the United States that its bilateral ties are conditioned on U.S. policy towards Taiwan, China has drawn another line by insisting that Taiwan should not be part of any future regional ballistic missile defense umbrella.... China's concern about TMD in relation to Taiwan or in the larger context goes well beyond the military implications of a system that is still in an embryonic stage. Complex domestic factors in China and in the United States, China's regional ambitions, Japan's evolving assertiveness, as well as a stalling economic reform program lie behind the public posture. It is rare for China's chief diplomat to come before the media to address such concerns so soon after direct talks with the United States. It is, therefore, obvious that on missiles, Albright stood very firm. In a shrewd, though predictable, move to get China to rein in North Korea and also formally subscribe to the MTCR, the United States is partly using the TMD as a bargaining chip. This tactic, which has direct implications for India, is an extension of U.S. efforts to get China to formally sign a document that will prevent it from exporting missiles, parts, technology or fuel to Pakistan, Iran, and Syria to name a few.... The worsening law and order situation because of the stalling economic reforms of Premier Zhu Rongji have partly conditioned two customary Chinese reflexes. One, the People Liberation Army's hard-line view on the United States....

"Next, when there is danger of social unrest, the Communist Party usually resorts to anti U.S. propaganda as a rallying cry for Chinese nationalism."

"West Meets East"

According to an editorial in the centrist Telegraph (3/9): "There were plenty of strains evident between the United States and China during the recent Beijing visit of Madeleine Albright.... Rhetorically the main differences lie in the field of human rights.... A more substantial source of friction is the unstable military balance in Asia Pacific.... Albright's visit made no progress on this issue.... It is evident the military establishments in both countries are highly suspicious of each other. The Pentagon believes China's ultimate goal is the domination of Asia. The People's Liberation Army seems to hold the view that...the United States would like to engineer either the overthrow of the communist regime or the breakup of China--or both. Much of the harsher rhetoric between the two countries can be traced to men in uniform in both capitals. Which is why civilians...are trying their best to stress trade and commercial links between the two countries."

"U.S., China Searching For Medal For Zhu"

Tokyo correspondent F.J. Khergamvala put forth this analysis in the centrist Hindu (3/4): "Though nobody can ever rule out the flip-flops in U.S. policy, anybody naive enough to believe Albright's brouhaha over China's human rights has already made that leap of faith into believing that the Clinton administration can mend either its own policy or change China's ways. Albright's trips to Asia are not taken too seriously by most in the region, except the accompanying U.S. media. Especially in Japan, China and in parts of Southeast Asia, she is treated as the tough talking cowgirl who no longer decides policy but merely tries to soften the opposition before the hard bargainers arrive.... Eventually the Sino-U.S. equation boils down to dollars and cents, as well as image projection. The deal in the offing for Zhu's visit is almost certainly WTO-related.... At this point, when its growth rate has declined, exports are down in January by 11 percent and unrest feared, China can hardly carry a domestic constituency on making concessions about WTO admission terms as required by the United States. This is where there is much merit in Bill Clinton's public plea that an open economy cannot be delinked from an open political system.... A closed system without firm indication of public support for a close relationship with the United States also prompts the People's Liberation Army to throw its own challenges to the Chinese civilian leadership which is accused of being soft toward the United States on missiles and the TMD policy."

For more information, please contact:

U.S. Information Agency

Office of Public Liaison

Telephone: (202) 619-4355

3/9/99

# # #