Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

NEW ZEALAND: "Unfinished Business"

Auckland's largest-circulation, moderate New Zealand Herald (9/13): "Today is APEC's new year.... Today the leaders of the member governments take stock and set work for the year ahead...anybody looking for a fast-track to free trade today is bound to be disappointed. But so will be those who hope the tide has turned against trade liberalization.... APEC's leaders today will direct its immediate efforts to shaping the agenda of the WTO round, but should not neglect their own [agenda.]... There is much unfinished APEC business from this past year, including the APEC Business Advisory Council's suggested inventory of non-tariff barriers.... Action plans on the Bogor time-table for free trade also need impetus from leaders. Perhaps the arrival of the year 2000 will concentrate members' minds on the approaching deadline.... The leaders meet, as President Clinton said yesterday, in happier conditions than last year, and looking to the WTO for the next thrust."

"Clinton-Jiang Meeting Significant"

Christchurch's largest-circulation, moderate Press (9/10) had this view by Stuart McMillan: "Although not a formal part of the summit, the Clinton-Jiang meeting cannot fail to have wide significance. After all, the conditions for trade and economic development within the Asia-Pacific region rest on peace and security and the U.S.-China relationship is fundamental to that.... There is no public agenda but one strong possibility is that they will focus on China's accession to the WTO.... If that were the outcome it would certainly set a good atmosphere for the APEC talks."

"APEC On The Money"

Auckland's largest-circulation, moderate New Zealand Herald opined (9/10): "Free trade is not the most important item on the economic agenda of APEC; although it comes a close second. There is a subject even more important...how countries gear their internal economies. It is more important because, as the Asian crisis demonstrated recently, access to a country is of little value if its economy is in a tailspin.... Improving financial markets means removing the non-commercial political and cultural practices that prevent money from carrying the information every sound economy needs. Long may APEC encourage open, transparent markets inside members states as well as more trade between them."

"ANZUS Will Be The Ghost At The Feast"

Largest-circulation, moderate New Zealand Herald had this by Terence O'Brien, former ambassador and foreign affairs commentator (9/9): "The ANZUS treaty will be the ghost at the feast.... [President Clinton's] welcome decision to better the political relationship is recognition that to confine effective partnership with the United States only to those countries that are in operational military alliances with Washington would restrict his options and possibilities.... This country's policy reflects the essential logic of nuclear non-proliferation which is the central issue, both countries agree, of the global security agenda. Our policy strengthens the UN non-proliferation norms. That raises problems for the American doctrine of extended nuclear deterrence."

AUSTRALIA: "U.S. And China Mend Diplomatic Fences"

Sydney's national conservative Australian (9/13) had this comment from international Editor Paul Kelly in Auckland: "The Jiang-Clinton meeting opens a window of opportunity to upgrade

[U.S.-China] relations before the American presidential campaign makes this effort a domestic impossibility.... The meeting has reversed the setback in Washington last April...that humiliated China and stunned Australia. Mr. Berger said the U.S. aim was still to build a 'strategic partnership' with China. These words are significant because they have been attacked in the U.S. by the anti-China lobby."

CHINA: "Presidents' Meeting Significant For Relations"

Shao Zongwei wrote in the official, English-language China Daily (9/15): "China is satisfied with the recent talks between the presidents of China and the U.S., said Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi. He said that the meeting bore 'significance for the restoration, improvement and development of bilateral relations. He attributed the improvement in Sino-U.S. relations partly to the agreement reached on compensation for the Embassy attack victims."

"Making Continued Efforts To Achieve Common Prosperity"

Dai Jun, Zhao Zhongwen and Zhang Chuandu said in intellectually-oriented Guangming Daily (Guangming Ribao), (9/14): "Objectively speaking, there are no big differences between this session of the APEC and the previous sessions in terms of form and content. However, since this session marks the 10th anniversary of the APEC, it has become a milestone in the history of the organization."

"WTO Negotiations To Resume; Jiang-Clinton Talks 'Positive'"

Liu Weiling said prior to the Jiang-Clinton meeting in the official, English-language China Daily (9/12): "The widely anticipated summit between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. President Bill Clinton in Auckland on Sunday will 'actively guide ongoing Sino-U.S. negotiations' on China's accession to the WTO.... The summit, the first since NATO bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, was 'positive and constructive,' said a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry."

"U.S.-China Summit New Starting Point For Bilateral Ties"

Ma Shikun and Zhang Yong said in the official, English-language China Daily (9/9): "James Sasser, former U.S. ambassador to China, said that the forthcoming summit between President Clinton and President Jiang Zemin in New Zealand will be a new starting point for the improvement of bilateral ties. The former ambassador is optimistic about the meeting, saying it will be a successful summit since the two presidents have good personal relations with each other."

"Talks On WTO Entry Resumed"

Liu Weiling said in the official English-language China Daily (9/9): "China and the United States have resumed negotiations on China's accession to the WTO but whether a deal will emerge depends 'to a large extent' on the United States, Chinese President Jiang Zemin said at a press conference in Australia.... Jiang called the Taiwan issue a 'very sensitive' one in the China-U.S. relationship and said that U.S. arm sales to Taiwan 'is an act which is totally incomprehensible to the Chinese people.'"

HONG KONG: "APEC Moves Steadily To A Broader Role"

The independent Hong Kong Standard remarked in its editorial (9/14): "Much as some leaders--including President Jiang Zemin--would prefer the APEC to remain an essentially economic forum, events forced a heavily political sub-agenda on the just-closed meeting that

ended up largely stealing the scene from the mainstream talks.... And in the end it was clear that, while APEC is essentially a trade talk-shop, it brings leaders of major economies together in a way that offers opportunities to address pressing issues that are not offered by any other

regional grouping. For this reason its political dimension is likely to grow rather than diminish--important as its core role is and must continue to be."

"APEC Declaration Is Good For Economy"

Pro-PRC Wen Wei Po had this editorial (9/14): "The declaration is practical and realistic. It motivates the integration of the Asian Pacific market. Also, it recognizes the differences of each country and allows for differences in the pace of progress for each country. It put its focus on freedom of trade and investment. In the meantime, it also considers the hurdles faced by the developing countries. It avoids imposing one's views on others, hurting the stable development of other countries' economies. The only way to solve this problem is to grant assistance to the developing countries by the developed industrial countries and to enhance mutual economic and technical cooperation.... In all, the APEC meetings provide chances for countries to consult with each other, creating conditions for further cooperation and economic recovery. It is believed that the recovery for the Asia-Pacific economy will be quickened as a result."

"Asian Security May Be Out Of Danger"

The independent Sing Tao Daily News wrote in its editorial (9/14): "Just when the Asian economy is starting to recover from the recent financial turmoil, the tense situation in Taiwan, the missile threat from North Korea and the massacre in East Timor have brought about a severe crisis. However, owing to the efforts of different countries, the situation has relaxed. Nevertheless, they still need to seek a breakthrough to prevent the crisis from blowing up. The Chinese and U.S. leaders made use of the APEC meetings to hold two informal summits within three days. It showed that the bilateral relations have improved. Although Lee Teng-hui continued to reiterate his 'special state to state theory' yesterday and China and the United States still have differences on China's accession to WTO, both sides are prepared to restore cordial relations. Clinton expressed his position so that Jiang Zemin can have something to tell his people, leaving Lee Teng-hui to do his one-man show. Now, even though both sides across the Strait will not improve their relations in the short-term, the danger of resorting to arms has been reduced."

"Feeling Sheepish At Sino-U.S. Summit"

Charles Snyder wrote in the independent Hong Kong Standard (9/10): "With the possible exception of a declaration that both presidents want China in the WTO this year, it is hard to see what breakthroughs are likely to be reached in the land of 48.8 million sheep at the weekend.... Both sides will reiterate their feelings that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China (although disagreeing over Beijing's threat to use force), that nuclear proliferation is bad and that nuclear proliferation in North Korea is even worse. They will disagree on human rights as always, and America's mushrooming trade deficit with China will be mentioned, but not strongly enough to derail their positive WTO statements.... What is needed is real commitment on both sides...not simply the occasional spasmodic rush to prepare leaders to smile at cameras."

"Sino-U.S. Relations May Take A Favorable Turn"

Pro-PRC Ta Kung Pao had this editorial (9/10): "The Sino-U.S. summit and the resumption of the WTO negotiations between China and the United States indicate that Sino-U.S. relations have taken a favorable turn."

"Kissinger's Timely Advice"

The independent Apple Daily News remarked in its editorial (9/10): "Although the Jiang-Clinton summit this weekend can stabilize the rocky Sino-U.S. relations, the most important thing is that the leading groups and polite elites of both countries should put aside their differences. They should take former U.S. Secretary of State Kissinger's advice to consider basing their bilateral relations on geopolitics. Only by doing this, can they maintain their relations and avoid future fluctuations."

"China's Accession To WTO Is Welcomed"

The independent Hong Kong Economic Journal wrote in its editorial (9/10): "For the international community, China's accession to the WTO, maybe followed by Taiwan, will indicate progress in the integration of global trade and economics. As many people have said, without including China, which possesses one-fifth of the world population, no international organizations can claim to be truly representative. If the Chinese leaders' quest to 'link up with the world' cannot obtain a positive response from the international community, especially Europe and the United States, China's accusation of the West adopting a U.S.-led hegemonistic policy may not be pure propaganda."

"Sino-U.S. Relations Decide The Time To Join WTO"

Independent Sing Tao Daily News wrote in its editorial (9/10): "Trade representatives from China and the United States will resume negotiations on China's accession to WTO shortly. Reaching an agreement will depend largely on the development of Sino-U.S. relations.... In tomorrow's Jiang-Clinton summit, they will not discuss the details of China's accession to WTO. However, if China and the United States further improve their ties in this summit, the possibility for China to join WTO is higher. If Sino-U.S. relations improve, both sides will be more willing to express their goodwill and to remove obstacles that block them from reaching an agreement."

INDONESIA: "APEC And Economic Policy"

Business-oriented Bisnis Indonesia held (9/14): "The outcome of APEC meetings this time does not seem to really offer any progressive steps leading to a better scheme for the regional economy.... The forum stumbled, nearly becoming a political arena for one country's political interests.... Although the APEC meetings did not conclude with a declaration regarding East Timor, some member countries' attempts to make the East Timor tragedy a topic of discussion have spoiled the forum's positive ambiance for creating free trade."

"APEC: Political And Economic Forum"

Ruling Golkar party's Suara Karya said (9/15): "The Kuala Lumpur phenomenon was repeated in Auckland. During the ministerial meeting, New Zealand, Australia and the United States tried to formulate a common stance to pressure Indonesia with military threats and economic sanctions."

MALAYSIA: "APEC Finally Wakes Up"

The government-influenced, English-language Business Times ran this editorial (9/15): "The economic leaders who met in New Zealand last week decided...to seriously deal with some current affairs affecting member countries. They left their concerns of level playing fields and their ambitions of wide-open global trade and decided, instead, to do something about

short-term funds, the seriously flawed international financial system, and issues concerning global trade....

"The leaders have this time decided to deal with the biggest concern of the majority of the Pacific Rim countries, and that is the threat of another currency crisis that had stalled economic growth in many parts of Asia. The consensus on the new global financial architecture was a major breakthrough for efforts by many countries, especially those hit by the Asian financial crisis, to improve the obviously flawed international monetary system of today. The proposal to have uniform international banking laws that will help regulate short-terms funds is a landmark decision, one that is bound to make a lot of people in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the rest of the world view APEC in a very different light. At the same time, the economic ministers reached a consensus to tell the WTO that its ministerial meeting in Seattle this November is too soon to talk about new trade concessions or to begin a new round of multilateral trade negotiations.

"But this is only a beginning for APEC to prove what it is capable of. Declarations will mean nothing if things agreed to by the ministers and the leaders are not followed up and implemented. The real hard work will now begin for the relevant authorities in member countries. The Auckland summit for certain has healed many members' broken faith in APEC. In Malaysia's case, it should be encouraged to work harder through the forum in getting some of the urgent messages across to the rest of the world with regards to the fate of economies in East Asia vis-à-vis the regional financial crisis. But it realizes, of course, how critical it is for all members to ensure that the declaration made in Auckland is carried out. In Kuala Lumpur, the leaders resolved to try and regulate the activities of international rating agencies, whose hasty and insensitive decisions to downgrade countries already hit by the crisis had, in many instances, put paid to governments' hopes of getting cheaper aids to restore confidence. Nothing, however, has been done to rein in these agencies.

"At least, the APEC leaders recognize the problems facing world growth and stability and are sending the right signals to its membership, which make up 40 percent of the global population and half the world's trade, that something shall be done. And when something has been done, it would be safe to assume that APEC has finally woken up. Until the resolutions and declaration from Auckland are implemented, many will still have their reservations."

"APEC Must Keep Political Agenda Out; Return To Original Aim"

The government-influenced, English-language New Straits Times ran this news analysis (9/14): "While one realizes that the happenings in East Timor needed the urgent attention of the international community, it is common knowledge that it is the responsibility of the UN which had sent its representatives...to help Jakarta solve the crisis. The continued infusion of politics into APEC's agenda makes one wonder whether the original objective of coaxing developing and developed nations in the Asia-Pacific region to become members of the so-called economic grouping was part of a ploy to submit to certain Western powers' political agenda under the guise of economic cooperation. It is high time APEC returns to its original objectives--to take up economic and financial issues to ensure the betterment of economies worldwide, failing which its role as an ecomonic forum becomes irrelevant."

"Wanted--A Common Asian Voice"

The government-influenced, English-language Business Times ran this editorial (9/9): "The Asian Monetary Fund idea, which did not materialize because of Washington's stern opposition and Tokyo's sensitivity that it not rile the United States, could have made short work of the regional crisis.... If East Asian countries had been united enough to push through the establishment of the AMF...the currency crisis...could have been nipped in the bud...and Asia would not have had to surrender its fate to the IMF and World Bank in Washington, the APEC forum, or the Group of Seven industrialized countries."

PHILIPPINES: "Seventh Summit To Be The Most Frustrating"

Ana Marie Pamintuan wrote in her column in the conservative, third-largest circulation

Philippine Star (9/10): "This seventh summit of the APEC forum could turn out to be the most frustrating, ever.... The [regional financial] crisis isn't over yet, and APEC members from the other side of the Pacific will find this region reluctant to commit to further trade liberalization.... The big news expected out of APEC is if the United States agrees to allow China's entry into the WTO. So the summit between...Clinton and Jiang Zemin will be the main event in Auckland. Or, rather, it was supposed to be the main event, until pro-Jakarta militias went on a rampage in East Timor.... So what will be achieved at the Auckland summit? Condemnation of the massacre [in East Timor].... What else will happen? China will be mollified over Taiwan's posturing for independence."

"Is APEC Still Relevant?"

The independent Manila Standard's editorial argued (9/10): "In truth, APEC is little more than a necessary formality that its member nations must attend on a regular basis.... Is APEC still relevant? In answer, the superbody may not be irrelevant, but its goals and visions have yet to seize the imagination of the public.... The action plans [on free and open trade] which were formulated soon after the birth of APEC may be due for restudy and, if necessary, revisions. Trade liberalization must also go hand-in-hand with beefing up the capacities of the member-economies.... For now, there is no substitute for the APEC."

"The Usual Gabfest"

Hong Kong-based J.V. Cruz, Jr. wrote in his column in the leading, top-circulation Business World (9/10): "The APEC meeting next week will, no doubt, be the usual general gabfest where government heads will do the usual American sports stadium wave, and prove that talented political leaders have no rhythm. The party has a price tab of 23 million U.S. dollars, and will involve 4,000 delegates, 1,500 media reps, [and] 1,800 police personnel."

"APEC Helping Mitigate Economic Volatility"

Columnist Al Dizon wrote in the leading, top-circulation Business World (9/9): "The APEC meeting got underway this week in Auckland with the perennial brickbat...that it has become ineffective, too slow, and in fact a talkshop that can not really do much.... There may or may not be an iota of truth to anti-APEC claims but one thing is certain: that it is helping much to strengthen the region's capacity to mitigate the effects of economic volatility.... APEC can boast of an outstanding track record in its capacity-building and advocacy in these areas."

SINGAPORE: "A Missed WTO Opportunity"

The pro-government Business Times (9/15) had this editorial: "The absence of any breakthrough in the talks at the Auckland APEC between U.S. and Chinese leaders on China's accession to the WTO is another missed opportunity for both countries. It is also a setback to the global trading system. Reportedly, the talks last week between U.S. President Bill Clinton and his Chinese counterpart Jiang Zemin--as well as between their trade negotiators--wandered in circles, with both sides showing a distinct lack of urgency about China joining the WTO....

The fact that, both in China and the United States, short-term considerations have triumphed when it comes to the issue of China's accession to the WTO is unfortunate all around. For China, it means that inefficient, state-owned enterprises will have a new lease on life by not having to compete with foreign goods or to adjust to market realities.... For the U.S.--and other countries whose companies do business in China--keeping Beijing out of the WTO will mean

having to continue dealing with the lack of consistent trade rules, arbitrary regulations and

policy flip flops--and no recourse to the fair dispute settlement mechanism that only the WTO

can provide. These are the issues that really matter, and which should guide policymakers on both sides, rather than vested interests and short-term ups and downs in the Chinese economy."

"Full Throttle Ahead As APEC Gets Back On Track"

The pro-government Straits Times (9/15) carried this comment by its chief regional correspondent Lee Kim Chew in Auckland: "Host New Zealand, which pulled out all stops to make APEC's seventh summit a success, could not have hoped for more. It was an APEC-plus summit that buzzed like no other, with two big sideshows--the Jiang-Clinton summit, and the violence in East Timor, stealing the headlines. As it turned out, the outcome was as good as it could be. To start with, APEC leaders declared unequivocably that they would give their 'strongest possible support' to call for the launch of a new round of multilateral trade talks at the WTO's ministerial conference in Seattle in November. Good for APEC, they were not diverted from their main task--to secure the consensus of all 21 member economies on this. Indeed, the Auckland summit stands or falls on this critical issue. It does not happen often that an APEC summit yields bountiful harvest. But this time it did. APEC indeed is back on track. This is not to say there will be no more derailment. Until then, the signals now are full throttle ahead."

"Struggling To Push Aside Shadow Of East Timor Crisis"

From Auckland, the pro-government Business Times (9/10) had this analysis by its Regional Analysis Editor Yang Razali Kassim: "Despite various ministers making upbeat statements, APEC's bid to energize its stalled market-opening drive is proving to be quite a struggle. The East Timor crisis is making it worse by hijacking global attention from the economic summit next week. The forum would need half a miracle for the leaders to recapture center stage for its free trade agenda.... How the leaders handle the [East Timor] affair when they arrive next week for their summit, whose main business is economic, will be closely watched."

SOUTH KOREA: "Summit Will Stop At A Partial Rapprochement"

Beijing correspondent Yoo Sang-chul of business-oriented Joong-Ang Ilbo judged (9/10): "The Clinton-Jiang summit will be an occasion to turn their relations in the direction of rapprochement.... At the summit, both nations will also see to what level they want to improve their relationship. An anti-U.S. sentiment has lessened in China lately, and America, too, has many reasons to start embracing China again."

TAIWAN: "Taiwan's Situation After Clinton-Jiang Meeting"

The centrist, pro-status quo China Times editorialized (9/13): "Under the U.S.' new world order,' Taiwan will surely not be recognized if it challenges China's sovereignty, Washington's 'de facto strategic partner.' Neither will Beijing's use of force against Taiwan be allowed. [However] based on the East Timor experience, if Taiwan were devastated [by the PRC] for challenging China's sovereignty...the U.S. would have sufficient reason not to interfere in the situation because Taiwan would then be regarded as having sought to destroy the new world order [by seeking independence]. On the level of public opinion, public opinion within the U.S. probably always sympathizes with Taiwan because of the island's democratic achievements. However, the American people, looking at their own best interests, have never wanted to go to war with Beijing.... These analyses tell us that Taiwan's actions should not exceed the [prescribed] boundaries, namely, it must not challenge major U.S. national interests (by forcing the U.S. Into going to war with China), nor should it push Beijing to a corner or put Taiwan people's lives and property in jeopardy. Although the Clinton-Jiang summit has done no harm to Taiwan so far, we can't be certain whether or not the two have made any tacit agreement,

and by the time we would hear [anything about an agreement], it would be too late anyway.

The best policy Taiwan can adopt now is to keep the 'state-to-state relationship' doctrine in

mind but not talk about it out loud and to continue to try to seek the U.S. Congress' and the American people's understanding. Taiwan should also guarantee the U.S. presidential candidates of both parties that it will keep U.S. Interests and Washington-Beijing ties in mind

when making cross-strait policy, in the hope that this will eliminate displeasure with Taiwan on the part of American citizens and officials."

"U.S. Warning China Not To Use Force Against Taiwan; No Negative Impact For Taiwan."

The liberal, pro-independence Taiwan Daily held (9/13): "We should be happy to see that Washington has recently warned China several times not to use force against Taiwan. This move will effectively stop China from attempting to take any military risks.... Without military threats from China, Taiwan could steadily develop [its] democracy and economy, strengthen its power and face Beijing's challenges with more confidence. Therefore, Washington's emphasis on 'peaceful resolution' in its three pillars of cross-strait policy indicates that it has identified the key to solving cross-strait issues."

"Latent Worries In Washington-Taipei Ties"

The centrist, pro-status quo China Times had this analysis by Liu Yung-Hsiang (9/12): "From the remarks on 'interim agreements' to 'one nation, three systems,' the United States has demonstrated a more and more enthusiastic attitude toward interfering in cross-strait issues. For Taiwan, it is all right that Washington keeps an enthusiastic attitude towards the cross-strait issues, but [the United States] must also maintain an impartial position. Although Taipei cannot totally agree with the idea of 'interim agreements,' the contents of the 'agreements' would at least be results coming from discussions between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait. 'One nation, three systems,' however, is nothing but an extension of Beijing's logic of 'one nation, two systems,' where Beijing will not allow any but its own definition of the 'one country.' Taiwan cannot help but worry that these remarks made by U.S. diplomatic officials in public show that Washington's policy is in fact leaning toward Beijing."

"Clinton Believes 'State-To-State Relationship" Doctrine Has Created More Difficulty"

The conservative, pro-unification United Daily News opined (9/12): "On the whole, the 'state-to-state relationship' doctrine has not resulted in Clinton's announcement of a 'fourth no' to add to the original 'three no's' policy toward Taiwan. However, from TV and newspaper reports about the treatment Taiwan received in new Zealand, we can clearly see that [the situation] is certainly not like what President Lee Teng-Hui said--that the more controversy generated by the doctrine the better for Taiwan. For this island, facing a complicated and sensitive international and domestic situation, the safety and well-being of its people should be built on a foundation that is solid and predictable. The 'state-to- state relationship' doctrine will bring nothing but unpredictability for Taiwan. The APEC Clinton-Jiang meeting proved that Lee's statement has made the situation between Washington, Beijing and Taipei more difficult, and Taiwan has not benefited from the doctrine or gained more space in the international community. Taipei therefore should think twice about letting the doctrine generate more controversy."

THAILAND: "APEC And Deep-Seated Internal Conflicts"

Trairat Soontornprapat commented in the mass-circulation Daily News (9/13): "It is an open secret in various circles that Mahathir's absence from APEC was due to his dissatisfaction with the United States and the West for their incessant meddling in virtually all of ASEAN's internal affairs, and with their economic war that has effectively reduced several ASEAN

economies--particularly Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia--to rubble.... It's quite fitting though that Mahathir reciprocated Clinton's sending Al Gore to Malaysia in his place by sending his

deputy to attend APEC. It served to admonish the West against any attempt to interfere in

ASEAN in order to destroy it turn us into mere economic slaves. The time has come for ASEAN to join hands with China and South Asian countries."

"In With A Bang, Out With A Whimper"

Yindee Lertcharoenchok and Jeerawat Na Thalang observed in the independent, English-language Nation (9/9): "This year APEC is facing a quandary, and if it fails to get back to tackling issues at its core subject of trade liberalization and market reform, it may not deserve to exist."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "Another Chance"

The independent Financial Times editorialized (9/10): "This weekend's talks between Bill Clinton and Jiang Zemin offer what may prove an unrepeatable opportunity to reshape the two countries' relationship and lay the foundations for China's full integration into the global economy.... The key question is whether they can agree to conclude this year negotiations on China's entry into the WTO.... Bridging the gap will not be easy. An essential ingredient, however, is a display of political courage from Mr. Clinton, whose failure to show leadership discouraged U.S. business lobbies from supporting a deal in the spring. This time, he must be ready to stake out his ground more resolutely at home. A workable WTO agreement with China is a prize worth fighting for. Failing to grasp it could set back Beijing's reform efforts, weaken China's political moderates and seriously damage its relations with the United States. Neither side can risk that."

FRANCE: "Clinton-Jiang: Light At The End Of The Tunnel"

Jean-Jacques Mevel opined in right-of-center Le Figaro (9/13): "With the shadow cast by the East Timor tragedy, the easing of tension between the U.S. and China went almost unnoticed.... The outcome of the hour-long meeting between Bill Clinton and Jiang Zemin was mostly symbolic...because Clinton reiterated that the use of force against Taiwan would 'have serious consequences.'... But for the first time, Clinton explicitly lay the blame at Taiwan's feet for being the troublemaker.... This small verbal concession was undoubtedly the price to pay to get the relationship with China on the right track."

"APEC In Favor Of Trade Liberalization"

Joelle Andreoli asserted in right-of-center Le Figaro Economique (9/10): "The United States has benefited from trade liberalization and experienced major economic growth. The question remains whether it will continue with its commercial blackmail in the agriculture and food industry sectors in the name of freedom of trade, or whether it will manage to reach a compromise, particularly concerning the importation of New Zealand and Australian lamb."

GERMANY: "Saber-Rattling And Shaking Of Hands"

Centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich judged (9/13): "The two presidents had hardly bidden farewell when envoys from both countries met to talk about China's accession to the WTO. This is good news. The bad news is: Never before in the past years we have realized so clearly that the relationship between China and the United States is built...on swampy ground. New missiles are unnecessary to make the fragile building collapse and go down. A strong wind,

which can blow from several directions can be enough. The U.S. Congress, for instance could thwart Clinton's plans and block China's accession to the WTO.... But the safest guarantor for new conflicts and confrontations is Taiwan.... China's leaders are currently demonstrating with

much saber-rattling how serious they are about Taiwan. And over the weekend, President Clinton again demonstrated how serious the United States is about Taiwan's protection. The next Taiwan crisis will certainly come this year, maybe early next year when Taiwan elects its

new president.... By then, Sino-U.S. ties between will face the next...test."

"Binding China"

Johnny Erling penned the following editorial in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (9/13): "For the first time since the bombing of its embassy in Belgrade, Beijing is speaking of a 'strategic partnership' with the United States. This phrase signals China's return to a rational policy of coexistence with the United States, no more. But it helps China and the United States, which continue to remain rivals, to place their interests in the foreground of their mutual relations.... The litmus test for this new relationship will come quickly. The conflict in East Timor is escalating, and it is again up to the UNSC's permanent members to make the UN able to intervene. China must also show responsibility in its treatment of Taiwan. And in this situation, trustful relations with the United States can be decisive for war and peace. President Clinton stressed his interest in Taiwan's status quo."

"Discord"

Christoph Rabe opined in business Handelsblatt of Duesseldorf (9/10): "It would seem that the time is favorable for progress on questions of free trade. Shortly before the WTO ministerial in Seattle, which is to decide on a new round of liberalization, the Asians would do well to present their calls for open markets more aggressively. The world could do with a booster from the proponents of free trade, since the Europeans, too, have barricaded themselves behind bureaucratic rule in order to make imports more difficult. But what use are all the visions when the most powerful partner of all refuses to do its share? As is so often the case, everything stands and falls with the United States. As long as Washington's hands are tied and the Clinton team is not given the authority to negotiate a trade agreement in the form of a new fast-track mandate, there will be no progress within APEC, either."

"America's APEC Interests"

Right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine featured this commentary (9/9) by Washington correspondent Carola Kaps: "The U.S. administration is still a long way from writing off APEC.... The American government's lasting esteem for APEC is based on its belief that the organization has been instrumental in ensuring that the countries hit hardest by the financial crisis have retained their trust in liberalization and open markets, not closed their borders or withdrawn from the global trade and financial system."

ITALY: "Economic Summit Turns Into Emergency Summit"

From Sydney, Rome's rightist Il Tempo observed (9/13): "It was supposed to be a summit of economic cooperation...a summit aimed at promoting trade liberalization and a reform of financial markets. But the East Timor crisis...the threat of North Korean missiles [and] U.S.-China tensions...have monopolized the meeting of APEC leaders.... Most of all, the summit has become an emergency meeting on East Timor."

"Clinton's Challenges; APEC's Task"

New York correspondent Marco Valsania noted in leading, business Il Sole-24 Ore (9/10): "Bill Clinton arrives at the seventh summit of Pacific countries with two urgent challenges for the participants: to stop the massacres in East Timor...and to revive international trade.... But with the memory of the Asian economic crisis still fresh, the APEC nations will also have to deal with a difficult economic task, considered to be their principal mission: the definition of a new

agenda for trade liberalization."

RUSSIA: "Politics Are An Impediment"

Marina Volkova filed from Auckland for centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (9/10): "APEC annual meetings wax ever more political preventing this organization from being what it was originally supposed to be. In Auckland, too, no sooner had the ministerial started than the regional press called the upcoming meeting between Clinton and Jiang and a possible U.S.-Chinese reconciliation after the Taiwan crisis the main event of the forum."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "New Ideas Can Brighten Growth Prospects"

The centrist Hindu had this analysis by P.S. Suryanarayana, writing from Auckland (9/13): "President Bill Clinton said today the development prospects of India as well as China and other developing countries could brighten if they were to adopt new ideas instead of the traditional pathway to industrialization.... Though Clinton made this comment with reference to the entire bloc of developing countries, it was politically significant that he cited only China and India by name. While China is an APEC member, India is not, and the conspicuous mention of India by him served as a reminder of some kind to the APEC about the relevance of India to the forum. Neither Clinton nor any of the Asia-Pacific leaders...made any suggestion that India be considered for APEC membership at this stage, given the forum's current moratorium on new entrants.... They agreed that India's credentials as the world's largest democracy and the second most populous country and a liberalizing economy could not be ignored for long. The APEC forum now accounts for nearly 45 percent of global trade, but it is already a rainbow coalition of rich and developing countries along the Asia-Pacific rim."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "Washington And Beijing Want To Be Friends Again"

Daniel Almeida, on special assignment in Beijing for leading Clarin, commented (9/12) "President Clinton and his Chinese counterpart Jiang took advantage of their attending the APEC meetings in Auckland...to create a mutually beneficial space which would allow them to declare before the eyes of the world that from now on there would be a 'clean slate' in the relationship between both countries. But there was not much of that. The summit showed that, although there was progress on the commercial field through the agreement with Beijing to resume WTO negotiations, there are still differences regarding Taiwan. While Clinton reiterated his commitment to the 'one-China only' policy, there were no clues that Washington will suspend or restrict the sale of arms and advanced military technology to Taiwan."

MEXICO: "Free Trade With Reciprocal Gains"

An editorial in nationalist El Universal said (9/13): "Mexico's experience has demonstrated that an indiscriminate opening without reciprocal gains will not solve all problems. On top of this, industrialized nations continue to maintain projectionist policies whenever it is in their interest to do so--Europe on agricultural products, and the United States regarding a number of products. This underscores the importance of Mexico's position at the APEC meeting in New Zealand to the effect that Mexico will further 'the full application of the Uruguay Round agreements in order to consolidate multilateral trade and to be the basis for further trade liberalization.' However, this will not solve the problems as long as the World Trade Organization continues to lack the strength to ensure that nations abide by the agreements they sign and to control the ambition of the seven most industrialized countries--which have been the most favored by trade liberalization."

For more information, please contact:

U.S. Information Agency

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Telephone: (202) 619-4355

9/15/99

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