Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

CHINA: "Important Opportunity To Advance Sino-U.S. Relations"

Quan Hongyu said in official, Central Legal and Political Commission Legal Daily (Fazhi Ribao, 4/6): "Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's upcoming U.S. visit provides another important opportunity to further advance Sino-U.S. relations. However, all the recent anti-China upsurges (the so-called 'nuclear theft,' inclusion of Taiwan in the TMD system, as well as the United States' attempt to sponsor another anti-China bill at the coming UN Human Rights Conference) have poisoned the atmosphere of Premier Zhu's U.S. trip. Therefore, just as the premier has said, his upcoming visit will be an uneasy one.... We are confident that Premier Zhu will overcome the difficulties, use the trip to enhance mutual understanding and expand cooperation on a basis of equality and mutual benefits."

"Zhu Rongji's U.S. Visit Aims At Enhancing Ties"

Official, English-language China Daily carried this Xinhua News Agency item (4/5): "Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Li Zhaoxing said Premier Zhu Rongji's U.S. visit will provide an important opportunity for furthering the development of relations between the two countries. Li pointed out that there exists some differences between China and United States, especially over non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries. He said that China opposes any interference in another country's internal affairs.... On the U.S. decision to study the inclusion of Taiwan into the TMD system, Li said that it is an example of Cold War mentality.... On Tibetan issues, the ambassador said some U.S. politicians try to interfere in China's internal affairs, infringe on China's sovereignty and destabilize China supporting the Dalai Lama's activities aimed at splitting China.... On why the United States intensified its attack on China's human rights situation, Li said that this is because China's human rights conditions are improving as the country is growing stronger day by day."

"Cherish The Hard-Won Sino-U.S. Relationship"

Ma Shikun and Zhang Yong stated in official, Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 4/3): "The current anti-China wave is supported by only a few Americans. Truthfully, improving bilateral ties is a policy both the Republican and Democratic parties have pursued over the past 20 years and a common aspiration of the American people. People hope that Premier Zhu Rongji's upcoming U.S. trip will further advance the healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. relations."

"State Seeks Discussions Of Human Rights Issue"

Official, English-language China Daily featured this official Xinhua News Agency item (4/2): "China is urging the United States to hold dialogues on the human rights issue, rather than resort to confrontation. 'The only way is to have dialogues...because history has proved that confrontation leads nowhere,' said Li Zhaoxing, Chinese ambassador to the United States. This is the post-Cold War period, 'so we should not let the Cold War mentality' hamper the understanding and friendship between peoples of the world,' he added."

"Why Is U.S. Building TMD?"

Fu Xiao argued in official, Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 4/2): "The U.S. Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system will disrupt the regional and international strategic balance, may trigger a new arms race, may cause proliferation of advanced weapons, and impact East Asian peace and stability....

"The American decision to include Taiwan in the TMD program is a barbaric infringement on China's internal affairs aimed at backing the Taiwan separatists and impeding the reunification of China. Therefore, the TMD program will inevitably impair the Sino-U.S. relations."

"Double-Edged Sword Threatening The World"

Official, Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 4/2): "The TMD system adds another reputation--spreader of weapons of mass destruction--to the already damaged U.S. image. It is believed that the United States, basing its TMD concept on a hypothesis, has ulterior motives."

"Anti-China Efforts Doomed To Flop Again"

According to official, English-language China Daily (4/1): "The U.S. decision to promote an anti-China bill is another shortsighted act which can only hurt the hard-won improvements in Sino-U.S. relations."

"Sino-U.S. Relationship"

Wang Hui commented in official English-language China Daily (3/31): "The outbreak of anti-China sentiment is still going on in Washington, which endangers the already strained Sino-U.S. ties. The groundless accusations concernings China stealing U.S. nuclear technologies has become a rallying cry for those people (including some politicians) who wish to attack the Clinton administration and its China policy. Some people in the United States have always viewed China as a potential enemy.... If they cannot weaken ties by making a fuss about China's alleged nuclear secret theft, they attempt to stain China's image in the international arena. However, the crafty plot of killing two birds with one stone is doomed to failure. The American people are not easily fooled, and the determination of both peoples and their governments to put Sino-U.S. ties on the right track cannot be diminished."

"U.S. Missile Defense Hysteria"

Jinglun Zhao maintained in official, English-language China Daily (3/30): "The national missile defense 'hysteria'--a term used by Energy Secretary Bill Richardson recently to describe the situation--is related to the allegations of China's 'theft' of U.S. missile and nuclear technology. The real danger to the world is American brashness once it acquires first strike capability. With an effective Anti-Ballistic Missile system in place, it may launch a nuclear attack without fear of retaliation."

"Opposing China Using Human Rights Topic Never Succeeds"

Official, Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) had these remarks by Zhang Guocheng (3/30): "The U.S. government's decision to sponsor another anti-China bill at the upcoming UN Human Rights Conference is a reversal from its last year stance...and a biased and short-sighted move. The United States is not in any way qualified to be a teacher when it comes to the human rights topic.... The ongoing air strikes on Yugoslavia are a good example. Not only is America's domestic human rights record far from good, but now it treads on another countries' human rights. With military weapons, the self-proclaimed 'guardian of human rights' is depriving numerous Yugoslavs of the basic right to life. The United States uses the criticism of human rights abuses, to meddle in other countries' internal affairs and seek hegemony. Predictably, if the United States persists in its obstinate course, it will fail disgracefully."

"Voice Of Justice--Various Circles In U.S. Refute Anti-China Allegations"

Ma Shikun and Zhang Yong said in official, Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 3/29): "Showing valuable integrity, bravery and great vision, people from various circles in the United States recently refuted anti-China allegations that China stole American nuclear technology. Analysts say the ongoing anti-China upsurge reflects the sinister intentions of some narrow-minded Americans who are reluctant to see an increasingly stronger China, or Chinese Americans integrated into or becoming elites of mainstream American society. However, it is simply a ridiculous idea to smear the reputation of the diligent, disciplined and friendly overseas Chinese using 'political sewage.'"

"China Strongly Opposes U.S.-Sponsored Anti-China Bill"

Official, Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) published this official Xinhua News Agency piece (3/28): "Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said the United States, disregarding the human rights situation in China, intends to interfere in China's internal affairs using the human rights topic. Such a practice not only violates the basic principles of the UN Charter, but also goes against the demands of the international community for cooperation and eliminating confrontation."

"Zhu's U.S. Tour To Strengthen Bilateral Ties"

Official, English-language China Daily had this official Xinhua News Agency piece (3/25): "Premier Zhu Rongji's upcoming visit to the United States will strengthen Sino-U.S. relations, the Chinese consul general in New York, Qiu Shengyun, said. However, Qiu said, some people in the United States feel unhappy with the sound development of Sino-U.S. relations and are slandering China for stealing U.S. technology. Describing the allegations as groundless, Qiu said restrictions on high-tech will only reduce U.S. enterprises' foothold in China's high-tech market, harming U.S. interests in the long run."

HONG KONG: "Sino-U.S. Ties Need WTO Agreement"

The independent Hong Kong Standard commented in its editorial (4/1): "Following the 13-year marathon negotiations, a breakthrough is now desperately needed. And an agreement on the issue will definitely serve more good than bad for both nations--the most powerful economy and the biggest developing one on earth.... Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the United States next week will provide a good chance for improved relations. For years, China and the United States have been at odds about everything, with trade the most prominent dispute. The annual debate on China's MFN status has proved to be a time bomb in Sino-U.S. relations. Under current law, Congress would not vote on a WTO deal, but lawmakers would have to decide whether to give China permanent trade privileges. Thus, China's accession to the WTO would finally help put Sino-U.S. relations on a stable foundation."

"Nearing Agreement"

The independent South China Morning Post had this editorial (3/30): "With U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky flying in to Beijing on an unscheduled visit yesterday evening, and while officials on both sides speak of 'optimism' over the outcome, China's 13-year campaign to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) has never been more of a cliffhanger. A breakthrough is desperately needed if the mainland is to attract foreign investment back to its struggling markets. There also needs to be some gesture that can help to restore the deteriorating relationship between Washington and Beijing before Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the United States in just over a week."

"WTO Success Depends On Whether China, U.S. Can Both Score Goals"

The independent Hong Kong Economic Times' editorial emphasized (3/30): "China and the United States are willing to carry on the crucial negotiations in the next few days. China has already set its bottom line. If it cannot join the WTO this year, China will not discuss the matter in the upcoming years. Only if China can join the WTO will both China and the United States win. Otherwise, both of them will be losers. If China and the United States finally reach an agreement, the United States can open up huge markets in areas such as agriculture, telecommunications and insurance. China can also increase its trade volume with Europe and the United States, promoting foreign investment, which has already cooled down.... Both China and the United States are facing domestic political pressure. Hence, the difficulties in negotiations should not be underestimated. To strike a balance between the two is not easy. The negotiations will fail if they cannot reach an agreement on opening up even one of the markets."

"Politics And Trade Will Be Separated"

The independent Hong Kong Economic Journal had this editorial (3/30): "The U.S. Congress discusses annually whether to grant China MFN status. This discussion has shrouded Hong Kong with uncertainty. If Beijing can join the WTO this year, the trump card of the U.S. Congress will be useless. It also means that the U.S. government will delink the trade issue from the human rights issue. Then China will be on an equal footing with other members in the international trade organization. The United States can no longer make use of political excuses to pressure China when dealing with trade.... Premier Zhu Rongji promised U.S. Secretary of Commerce William Daley to open up its telecommunications market, and U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky 'suddenly' flew to Beijing--all of these events indicate that China may be able to join the WTO shortly."

"China, U.S. Will Benefit If China Enters WTO"

The independent Hong Kong Economic Journal commented in its editorial (3/29): "China's WTO accession is a 'political issue' to the United States and not an economic issue. Congress is very hostile to Beijing. Clinton's cabinet also has differing opinions about letting China join the WTO. Therefore, the United States always insists on very harsh conditions at the negotiation table. U.S. congressmen know that if China succeeds in joining the WTO, Congress will lose the power of giving MFN trade treatment to China annually. Hence, they will not let China go so easily. The U.S. State Department announced last weekend that it would condemn China's human rights record in its resolution to the UN Human Rights Commission. Sino-U.S. relations will be disturbed. However, if the Clinton administration does not pressure China on the human rights issue, how can it convince Congress to let China join the WTO?"

"Price Of Engagement"

The independent South China Morning Post told its readers (3/28): "Beijing cannot really be surprised that the United States has decided to sponsor a resolution at the UN Human Rights Commission next month condemning its human rights record. The central government has accused Washington of 'going backward' and of embarking on 'the disastrous road of the old days'. But the recent series of mainland arrests, with moves to clamp down on the media which the United States cited in explaining its move, made the decision inevitable.... Premier Zhu Rongji can hardly hope to escape public protests and private criticism on his visit to the United States next month. If Beijing has decided to take a stiffer line against dissent during its economic reform program, the leadership cannot expect the rest of the world not to make its views known. China is too important to be ignored, but it needs to remember that, as far as the West is concerned, silence is not the automatic price of engagement."

JAPAN: "Will Zhu Rongji's U.S. Visit Improve Sino-U.S. Ties?"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri contended (4/6): "The Chinese prime minister is visiting the United States when Sino-American relations have become strained over Beijing's human rights abuses, alleged Chinese spying on American nuclear technology and China's opposition to NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia.... At a time when East Asian countries are still reeling from the economic crisis, there are rising concerns that the deterioration of Sino-American relations will create a new source of confusion in the region."

PHILIPPINES: "Chinese Are Better Off Now Than Before"

Beth Day Romulo opined in the conservative, top-circulation Manila Bulletin (4/1): "The EU and American politicians like to pick on China for its abuses of human rights. But what armchair sinologists and headline-grabbing politicians often fail to take into account is how very much the quality of life for the vast majority of Chinese people has improved in the past two decades. Chinese today are free to live where they choose, dress as they desire and even criticize their government--previously unheard of freedoms."

SINGAPORE: "Up The Tiger Mountain"

The pro-government Straits Times opined (4/6): "There is a Chinese saying that the truly courageous man will go up a mountain even when he knows it is full of tigers. Less colorful, Mr. Zhu says merely that he wants to develop 'a constructive strategic partnership' with the United States. The United States should take note.... It is plainly foolish for American lawmakers to ignore these changes or minimize their importance.... Mr. Zhu...faces an uphill task, but...the national interests of the two powers cannot be served if Americans make a sport of demonizing China, because this can only make their worst fears a self-fulfilling prophesy."

"U.S.-China Relations"

The pro-government Straits Times held (4/4): "The reality is that neither a weak nor an antagonistic China is in the [United States'] national interest, and this is the situation that Washington hopes to avoid in engaging Beijing, including in the upcoming talks with Mr. Zhu, despite the uncertain outcome of his U.S. visit this week."

"U.S. Trying To Cut A Deal With China?"

The pro-government Straits Times' editorial insisted (4/1): "China has been a long time on the road to the World Trade Organization (WTO). And while the end may at last be in sight, the bumpy ride of the last 13 years is by no means over. The circumstantial evidence suggests, of course, that two senior American officials, Commerce Secretary William Daley and Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky...would not have gone to Beijing at the same time, and on the eve of Prime Minister Zhu Rongji's visit to the United States, if the Clinton administration had not meant business. Perhaps an announcement will be made in Washington while Mr. Zhu is there, which would be acceptable diplomatic management. It would set right an injustice and help China as well as a host of other countries by ensuring that the global order does not still pretend that the world's fastest-growing economy just does not exist. The argument all these years appears to have revolved around China's precise position in the economic firmament.... But, in Asian eyes at least, it looked as if the United States was trying to cut itself a deal: You buy my goods and I'll sponsor you for the WTO."

SOUTH KOREA: "South Korea Caught In Friction Between U.S., China"

Senior writer Kim Young-hee observed in business-oriented Joong-Ang Ilbo (3/25): "Whenever the United States and China have diplomatic friction, Korea always gets caught in the middle. Now is one of those times. The two countries are having a face-saving fight over seemingly insignificant issues and the impact is already being felt on the Korean Peninsula.... The United States and China agreed on a strategic partnership during their summits in 1997 and 1998. Since the nature of a strategic partnership often is ambiguous, such an agreement carries real significance only when substantiated by follow-up measures. Unfortunately, President Clinton got preoccupied with the Lewinsky scandal, neglecting Sino-U.S. relations, and Secretary of State Albright did not think China required her immediate attention. Occupied with Europe and the Middle East for the most part, she would suddenly stop by, raising questions about China's human rights performance. This is bad diplomacy that only hurt China's pride. Then came the New York Times article about nuclear espionage, further fanning the whole situation.... If the friction between the United States and China drags on, it will only hurt our chances in seeking Chinese assistance on Korea issues.... Russia is finally pursuing an equidistant diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul, and Japan has started talking about the need for six-nation talks to deal with Korea issues. We are at a sensitive time, which means that solidarity between the United States and China and also between the United States and Korea is more necessary than ever."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "Mr. Zhu Goes To Washington"

The conservative Times' editorial held (4/6): "Dark economic clouds are gathering over China. Recent weeks have brought unwelcome news for China's foremost modernizer, Zhu Rongji, who this week makes his first visit to the United States as prime minister. Having dodged Asia's financial storms for two years, China seems targeted for a downpour. And whether it is headed for deep trouble, or just a muddy fork in the capitalist road, one thing seems clear: 'State-directed socialism with Chinese characteristics' is close to its limits. Hard decisions cannot be ducked much longer.... Half measures, cover-up and muddle are all too much the norm. Shrewd and worldly, Mr. Zhu grasps the need for bank reform and the closure of unviable state-owned enterprises. President Ziang and party elders tremble at the political risks. As the tenth anniversary of Tiananmen comes near, real reform seems riskier than doing nothing."

"China's Trade"

The independent Financial Times had this editorial (3/29): "The Clinton administration will...have to weigh...the difficulties of selling any deal [on WTO membership for China] to an increasingly hostile Congress. What is needed is an agreement strong enough to mobilize the U.S. free trade lobbies in its favor. The fact that the security hawks have made all the running on China recently does not mean they can always control the mood. A deal that raised genuine prospects of open Chinese markets, and thus of reducing the trade imbalance with the United States, would be worth having. WTO membership on appropriate terms need not compromise efforts to tackle security concerns. These are real, but should not stand in the way of a good WTO deal. Mr. Zhu's visit to Washington is about the last opportunity to reach such an agreement ahead of the launch of a new round of world trade negotiations at the end of the year and the launch of the U.S. presidential election campaign. Failure now would have grave consequences. The U.S. policy of engagement would be mortally wounded, and the bilateral relationship would be damaged for the foreseeable future, adding to economic and political strains in the region."

BELGIUM: "Zhu's U.S. Stay No Pleasure Trip"

Freddy De Pauw remarked in independent Catholic De Standaard (4/6): "The Chinese prime minister, Zhu Rongji, will not have much time for sightseeing during his upcoming nine-day visit to the United States. His host, President Bill Clinton, is under heavy pressure at home not to give presents to the Chinese guest.... The war in the Balkans has disturbed (the relationship) in recent weeks.... Beijing believes that the Americans have created too many obstacles to China's membership in the WTO. On the other hand, it is in Washington's interest to a certain extent that China remains stable economically.... If the Chinese currency were to weaken, East Asia might be disturbed further.... Clinton has been under strong pressure from the Congress to tackle Beijing firmly.... American pressure in the UNHCR to condemn China comes mainly from the Congress.... The Theater Missile Defense system will certainly be on Zhu's agenda."

"China Wipes Its Feet Before WTO Door"

Eric Meyer opined in independent Le Soir (3/30): "For eighteen months, China has been blocked because what it offered--namely in the field of services--remained well under the WTO's expectations, which called for the opening of Chinese markets of insurance, telecommunications and banking. But China is now reportedly willing to allow access to 'joint ventures' with 35 percent of foreign shares in the telecommunications sector, 40 percent in the banking sector, and 50 percent in the insurance sector by 2005. In the United States, these offers are considered serious enough for negotiator Barshefsky to travel one last time to Beijing this Monday to try to conclude a bilateral agreement which should then be signed by Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji--who initiated these concessions--on April 8 in Washington. Another high U.S. official is also in Beijing: William Daley, secretary of commerce. According to the rumor, this visit prepares a sumptuous present which Zhu Rongji will offer to the United States during his visit: the green light for wireless CDMA telephone technology."

HUNGARY: "Washington-Beijing: Loves Me, Loves Me Not'"

East Asia expert Csilla Medgyesi commented (4/6) in influential Magyar Hirlap: "President Clinton is pursuing the 'positive approach' policy toward China, but the White House admits that the chances of a political opening are limited since the Chinese Communist Party is sticking to its monopolistic rule.... Many analysts claim that the U.S. administration should change its China policy for several reasons: One is the upcoming U.S. general elections; another is the fact that the Republicans cannot, and probably never will, forgive Bill Clinton for their defeat in the impeachment issue; and third, even some of the Democrats criticize Clinton's China policies for not pushing Beijing strongly enough on human rights. Given these circumstances, there is only one field in which Zhu Rongji's recent visit can bring results, but only in theory: China entering the WTO. Only miracles could help Zhu have a successfully concluded visit: If nothing else, the two sides will agree that the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region have to be secured--although they won't go into details about how. And that will be enough in order to declare that despite the controversies, the strategic partnership between the two superpowers is essential and needs to be maintained."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "The Taiwan Factor"

In the editorial view of the centrist Statesman (3/26): "There is an anti-Chinese current of opinion, both on Capitol Hill and among the public, and that is not going to change in a hurry. That current may have been reinforced by certain things that have happened recently, for example, the alleged theft of nuclear technology by Chinese nationals working in U.S. defense research labs.... The administration is trying to play down the incident, but it is unlikely that Congress will take the same relaxed view of the whole affair, given that this is election year....

"All of a sudden, Sino-U.S. relations are assuming a strategic dimension; the real stumbling blocks in the future are going to be Taiwan and China's position, first in Asia and then in the world."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "Fate Of Reforms In China"

Leading Clarin maintained (3/26): "The China which...amended its Constitution to acknowledge the right to private property is just a sign of the domestic changes which have taken place in the most populous country in the world, but it is also a reply to the foreign demands related to those changes.... Ten years ago China had an upheaval, but it stifled it with the Tiananmen massacre... Nevertheless, the constitutional reforms unanimously voted by the Chinese Parliament leads us to think that China has started to speak a common language with Western democracies.... Now, with these reforms Chinese leaders are relying on a diplomatic offensive in Europe and the United States...to widen economic prospects and alleviate political tension. Western governments know that every pressure has a limit. The top priority regarding China is not the lack of democracy, but China's stability, bearing in mind the unthinkable impact which any tremor in its huge economy or a social outbreak may have on its 1.3 billion inhabitants."

PANAMA: "Jiang's Swiss Welcome"

Independent La Prensa front-paged this commentary (3/26): "Chinese President Jiang Zemin blew up on his arrival to Geneva when his welcome ceremony was tarnished by a demonstration...condemning the Chinese occupation of Tibet.... It is logical for totalitarian regimes not to accept a non-repressive method in the face of any dissent. How can we expect that those who sent tanks against student in Tiannamen Square could recognize the value of tolerance? Zemin has given...a vision to the world that only North Korea and Cuba share with Beijing."

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4/6/99

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