November 29, 1999
U.S.-CHINA TRADE PACT: 'GREAT LEAP FORWARD' FOR BEIJING?
The market-opening agreement announced earlier this month between the U.S. and China garnered worldwide editorial coverage, with most writers hailing the deal--which, they held, virtually "paved the way" for China's entry into the WTO--as a "great leap forward" for the PRC and for global trade. Even the most enthusiastic supporters of the pact, however, foresaw "challenges" ahead both for China--whose domestic industries could face "hard days" as a result of the opening up of China's economy--and for President Clinton, as he seeks congressional endorsement for the agreement. Beijing's official media, which widely touted the pact as a "win-win deal" for China, nevertheless admitted that "capital-intensive" sectors of the Chinese economy, such as auto production, telecommunications, banking and insurance, could face "tough competition" as China enters "the WTO age." Elsewhere, analysts debated whether Beijing's projected entry into the WTO would result in greater democratization within the PRC, or if China--in the words of Hong Kong's independent South China Morning Post--would "stick to its double-fisted policy [of] taking steps to tighten ideological and political control even as it goes about liberalizing the economy." Following are highlights in the commentary:
'CHINA'S BOLD STEP TO END ISOLATION': Editorials welcoming the trade deal spanned the geographic regions, with writers extolling the pact as a "bold step" by China's "reformers" to end the country's "isolation" from the global community. Many commentators found common cause with Singapore's pro-government Straits Times, which posited that "the pact suggests that there is...sufficient unanimity of economic interests between the [U.S. and China] to ensure that the global economic order does not unravel." Optimists in East and South Asia, Europe and the Western Hemisphere contended that the trade deal signified China's "intention" to "accelerate reforms" and allow "greater openness." London's independent weekly Economist, for example, concluded: "On balance, the signs are good that China will change for the better," but added that "[the deal] will raise many fresh rows...as [it] is put into practice."
AFTER 'GREAT LEAP,' MANY STEPS TO GO: Almost an equal number of editorials declared that the West's "rejoicing" over the U.S.-China trade deal was "premature." In Germany, Halle's centrist Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, for example, insisted: "The Sino-American agreement...is not [a] great breakthrough.... Thus far, China has not presented evidence that it is really fit for the global market." Others held that there were "no guarantees" that the hopes for a more "democratic" China would be fulfilled. "The real question," held a centrist Milan daily, "is whether...communist politics and economic globalization can continue not to cross."
'STARS AND STRIPES IN BEIJING'; EUROPE LEFT OUT: Pundits in France and Italy lamented that the Europeans had been "passive for too long as Washington-Beijing relations were evolving." "When China joins the WTO," Rome's provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio maintained, "the Europeans will arrive in Beijing when all the games are already over and will have a much reduced influence in the negotiations."
EDITOR: Kathleen J. Brahney
EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 77 reports from 32 countries, November 15 - 29. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC
CHINA: "Prospect Of Seattle Conference Seems To Be Uncertain"
Liu Jingzhu said in the official Central Legal and Political Commission Legal Daily (Fazhi Ribao, 11/27): "It is truly worrisome that the manifesto of the Seattle conference seems to be slow in coming. People cannot help but wonder whether the forthcoming meeting can reflect the interests of the developing countries. They feel uncertain about the next round of WTO talks: Will it be a '2000 Round', a 'U.S. Round,' a 'Clinton Round,' or a 'round for development' which has been put forth by the WTO director-general?"
"Embrace WTO, Face Challenges"
Jiang Xian maintained in official, English-language China Daily (11/26): "Whatever the thoughts are on the U.S.-China agreement on China's accession to the WTO, one thing is for sure: Domestic enterprises will soon be facing hard days. The fierce competition will cause many firms to go bust and the nation will be left with a high unemployment rate.... To embrace future challenges, the market should open itself more to domestic manufacturers. The government should play a role in helping form a well functioning market, encouraging competition and accelerating industrial adjustment."
"The Happiest Man In China"
Gao Wei said in an article in the official English-language China Daily Business Weekly (11/21-27): "Long Yongtu, China's vice-foreign trade minister and chief representative for trade negotiations, was one of the happiest and proudest men in the country last week.... A scholarly technocrat, Long believes that joining WTO, although it may generate some negative effects on domestic industries in the short term, will bring mammoth benefits to the country in the long run."
"China Gains With WTO"
Wang Chuandong wrote in the official English-language China Daily Business Weekly (11/21-27): "China's accord with the United States concerning its entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) provides an incentive for the government to remove deep-rooted policy barriers affecting the country's telecommunications industry.... Yang Peifang, chief economist of the Economic Research Center with the Ministry of Information Industry, told Business Weekly."
"WTO Entry Effects Assessed"
Wu Yunhe said in the official English-language China Daily Business Weekly (11/21-27): "China has gained a right to participate in a new round of trade negotiations concerning decision-making and new regulations and rules for the WTO. China's entry into the global trade bloc can benefit its current efforts to improve the structure of agricultural production, which seeks to supplement the domestic short supply of some farm products with imports and while selling abroad more of its fruits, vegetables, animal by-products and aquatic products."
"WTO Challenges China Telecom"
Xin Bei wrote in the official English-language China Daily (11/22): "Minister of Information Industry Wu Jichuan...firmly believes that the domestic information industry will not suffer a great shock from the market opening up following the country's entry into WTO thanks to its advantages in scale, economic strength and talent. When the industry opens to foreign companies according to WTO rules, it will be unlikely that China Telecom will elbow competitors through non-market means. The company will have to improve their keenness and preparation for market competition."
"China To Face Tougher Contest After WTO Entry"
Official, English-language China Daily indicated (11/19): "The new win-win deal signed between China and the United States concerning China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) is not only in the interests of the two countries, but also beneficial to world trade. Despite the many advantages China will have following its entry, the nation will also face much tougher competition from the world. But because of ample preparations it has made, China will prevail. In addition, China will have a transitional period after gaining WTO membership for the opening up of its market. This buys time for China to sharpen the competitiveness of its enterprises."
"WTO Entry Poses Tough Challenges"
Under the above headline, Zhao Huanxin and Cui Ning declared in the official English-language China Daily (11/18): "A most important aspect of WTO membership is that it allows China to have a voice as to how international trade rules are shaped."
"Normal Trade Relations Pending"
Yang Lei said in the Central Legal Committee Legal Daily (Fazhi Ribao, 11/19): "There will be...room for exchanges of interests when the U.S. Congress is trying to approve the deal. The upcoming general election will also have its impact. Nonetheless, the agreement is consistent with United States' economic as well as strategic interests. Therefore, although the approval might encounter some difficulties, the permanent Normal Trade Relations (NTR) will finally be achieved.
"Win-Win Deal Welcomed"
Gu Ping judged in the official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 11/19): "Standing at the gate of the WTO, the Chinese people could encourage themselves with Lenin's words 'fight first, then be the winner.' Looking back at the success of China's home electric appliances, we should have the confidence to win this competition."
"Shanghai Bets On High-Tech Industry"
Zeng Min commented in the official, English-language China Daily (11/18): "WTO accession will be a double-edged sword. It will make our exports more competitive...but capital-intense sectors such as automobile, telecommunications, banking and insurance will face tough foreign competition in the WTO age."
"What Will WTO Entry Give China?"
Li Zhengping said in the official Economic Daily (Jingji Ribao, 11/17): "Among the current 135 members of WTO, there are developed as well as developing countries.
"They were at different levels of development when they joined the WTO, but none of the economies was ruined because of joining it. On the contrary, it brought about their economic development while enhancing their competitiveness."
"Good Deal Opens A Promising Future"
Under the above headline, official English-language China Daily featured this commentary (11/16): "We hope to draw a lesson here: Any problem can be settled with mutual understanding and accommodation. Indeed, China and the United States have had conflicts now and then. But the conflicts are not insurmountable just because we have different social systems. We value sound Sino-American ties, which benefit not only the two nations, but the world at large."
HONG KONG: "WTO Membership May Bring More Gains Than Losses"
Cary Huang said in independent Hong Kong Standard (11/23): "Above all, the most important gain is that WTO membership will effectively change the way of doing business in China by setting up new rules binding everyone more tightly to an international legal system that has long been disdained. WTO membership will set a new stage for China's long sought endeavor to eventually integrate the last major socialist economy into the international system."
"WTO Deal Set To See Influx Of American Junk"
Bernard Fong wrote in the independent Hong Kong Standard (11/23): "What China faces is an imminent invasion of gaudy American mass culture of immediate gratification against which a more sublime society cannot compete with its scarce resources, huge population and an austere heritage based on the individual submitting to the community. Even more menacing to China than the freedoms the United States spouts could be the fanning of frustration among people who find their satisfaction denied and advancement deferred."
"WTO For China"
The independent Hong Kong Economic Journal insisted (11/18): "The WTO agreement...is the most important move by the Chinese leaders since their decision to reform and open in 1978."
"The Barriers That Still Remain"
Willy Wo-Lap Lam wrote in the independent South China Morning Post (11/17): "There seems little doubt Beijing will stick to its time-honored, double-fisted policy: taking steps to tighten ideological and political control even as it goes about liberalizing the economy. There is speculation the authorities will soon pass additional regulations forbidding the flow of anti-socialist or anti-party information.... The Jiang leadership realizes, of course, the interlinkage between economics and politics. But for as long as is possible, it will seek to keep them in watertight compartments."
"Deal Is First Step Along Painful Path"
The independent Hong Kong Standard emphasized (11/16): "Beijing still has to commit itself to speeding up legal reforms and build the institutions necessary to meet WTO standards. And the creation of the rule of law in commercial and all other matters is China's biggest challenge.... Yesterday was only the first step on the superhighway."
"China, U.S. Reach An Agreement, Benefiting Everyone"
According to pro-PRC Ta Kung Pao's editorial (11/16): "China needs to join the WTO and the WTO needs China. A more open and more prosperous China is consistent with the interests of the world, including the United States.... By joining the WTO, China can safeguard the interests of developing countries in the WTO. It can also minimize the harm done to the developing world due to economic globalization."
JAPAN: "Significance of Reaching U.S.-China Trade Pact"
Liberal Asahi judged (11/17): "In light of the major roles played by the United States and China...the trade pact is a welcome move towards world peace and stability."
"U.S.-China Accord On WTO Deal Welcomed"
Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri's editorial judged (11/16): "We welcome the accord in that it will help improve [Sino-U.S.] bilateral relations...but the two nations have yet to persuade their respective opposition forces at home to accept the accord."
AUSTRALIA: "China's Great Leap Forward"
An editorial in the liberal Sydney Morning Herald concluded (11/18): "China has made a great leap forward into the era of global free trade. Everyone stands to benefit from this move, although to what extent is debatable.... China itself will be one of the major beneficiaries of the increase in the value of trade. American exporters will take the lion's share of what's left.... What impact China's admission to the WTO will have on...wider political and geostrategic issues remains to be seen. In hailing Monday's agreement, President Jiang Zemin made a point of saying that it was based on mutual 'sincerity and respect'--a term which to Beijing means non-interference in China's domestic political and social affairs. Washington has been happy to go along with that understanding on the assumption that eventually free economies produce free societies. Perhaps they do."
INDONESIA: "China Becomes An Open Country And Member Of The World"
Leading, independent Kompas held (11/17): "Now that the trade agreement has been signed, the interesting question is, who will actually benefit from it?... In terms of U.S.-Chinese relations, the American public has begun to worry about a possible flood of Chinese products due to cheap labor. For their part, the Chinese are concerned about losing jobs to the privatization being developed by Prime Minister Zhu."
MALAYSIA: "Enter The Dragon"
The government-influenced, English-language Business Times' editorial stressed (11/17): "It had never been a great secret that China's entry into the WTO would depend primarily on how much the Americans benefit from it.... The deal will open up China's economy and will 'create unprecedented opportunities for American farmers, workers, and companies to compete successfully in China's markets while bringing increased prosperity to the people of China.' What's in it for the rest of the world?... The negotiations had been too concerned with U.S. interests and less so with that of others in the WTO, especially the developing countries."
PHILIPPINES: "Wary About China"
Business columnist Bernardino Ronquillo stressed in the top-circulation Manila Bulletin (11/26): "Developing countries like the Philippines are still wary about China becoming a full-fledged member of WTO and enjoying a free and open market in every country affiliated with WTO.
"China's advantage over many of its trading partners, both developed and developing, is that it can produce consumer goods more cheaply or at more affordable prices than can many of its competitors because of low-cost Chinese labor."
"China's Move Toward Openness"
Business columnist Calixto Chikiamco observed in the independent Manila Standard (11/25): "The WTO agreement...signals the Chinese government's commitment to greater openness.... By its membership into the WTO, China is showing the world that it intends to accelerate reforms."
"When The Hard Work Begins"
The independent Manila Times judged (11/19): "With China's vaunted export subsidies and cheap labor, we expect complaints and protests to flood the global trade body. Only then--to use a cliché--does the hard work begin."
SINGAPORE: "A Crucial Deal"
The pro-government Straits Times contended (11/17): "By giving China a stake in the latter [WTO], the United States has displayed the sense of responsibility expected of the key player in the international system.... A certain conflict of interest is natural between the reigning superpower and the emerging contender. What Monday's pact suggests is that there is, nevertheless, sufficient unanimity of economic interests between the two to ensure that the global economic order does not unravel. And when economics prevails, politics loses some of its power to undermine the integration of the world."
"China's WTO Ball Now In EU Court"
The pro-government Business Times contended (11/16): "The Europeans should be well aware that they could be sowing the seeds of a security problem in the new century if they persist in blackballing China from full participation in the global economic system.... The Europeans must show that they, too, are committed to a fair and inclusive system."
SOUTH KOREA: "Market Transparency"
Tokyo correspondent Hwang Young-shik observed in moderate Hankook Ilbo (11/19): "Not everyone is looking at China's expected entry into the WTO with rosy optimism, and that is because interests of many nations could become seriously tangled once China becomes a major presence in that organization. This is why Japan is worried about China's expected entry.... In the new trade round, the United States may demand greater concessions on the grounds that it opened the road for China to join the WTO."
"China's Debut In Global Market"
Conservative Chosun Ilbo asserted (11/17): "China's WTO membership will be a critical turning point that will not only reshuffle the global economic order, but also have a profound impact on international relations in the new century."
TAIWAN: "Positive Significance Of China-U.S. WTO Agreement"
The centrist, pro-status quo China Times opined (11/17): "For U.S. President Bill Clinton...bringing China...into the world trading system and gradually fostering its modernization through the market opening mechanism is...a major step toward reducing the possibility of global conflicts and promoting global economic prosperity....
"For Jiang Zemin and Zhu Rongji, leading China into the WTO is a declaration of China's determination to continue its economic reforms and further integrate into the international community. [It] will also produce a decisive effect on mainland China's future stability."
"China's WTO Entry A Leap In The Dark"
The liberal, pro-independence, English-language Taipei Times asserted (11/17): "China's record of playing by international rules is atrocious, and there is not much reason to assume that WTO membership will change that predilection. Thus, the euphoria of the United States and other multinational firms is likely to be short-lived, as they find themselves unable to enforce the new rules."
THAILAND: "China's Future"
Nitipoom Nawarat commented in top-circulation Thai Rath (11/23): "Like the former Soviet Union immediately following disintegration when the West dumped in cheap--almost free--cigarettes, whiskey and beer, and luxurious items to boost domestic consumption and then, when people became accustomed to their products and a new adopted way of life, raised the price.... China too will one day become a full-fledged consumer society."
"Beijing Sets Out On Long Journey"
The lead editorial of top-circulation, moderately conservative, English-language Bangkok Post commented (11/19): "The WTO agreement opens the door for China to interact fully with the global community of nations...[but] a lot remains to be done before China actually joins the WTO. The U.S. Congress has to endorse the membership and there is still widespread opposition from interests as varied as labor unions and human rights groups.... [China] still has to conclude negotiations with the EU and 23 other trading partners. No stumbling blocks are foreseen, however. China is finally set to come in from the cold."
VIETNAM: "U.S., China's Critical Breakthrough"
Tran Hoai Anh maintained in Lao Dong (Labor), the newspaper of Vietnam's General Confederation of Trade Unions (11/18): "The Sino-U.S. deal helps the two close the unsmooth 1999 chapter of their relationship. This fact itself shows the very nature of the relationship, which is that the two may at times be at odds with each other but sooner or later they will cooperate."
EUROPE
BRITAIN: "Showdown In Seattle"
The independent Financial Times declared in its lead editorial (11/29): "Success in Seattle requires enlightened leadership. Bill Clinton, perhaps alone, has the skills needed to provide it. His presence there, and his efforts to clinch China's WTO entry, suggest he has a strong personal commitment to the global trade system. This week, he has an exceptional opportunity to prove it--and to bequeath a lasting legacy. Failure, or a feeble political fudge, would leave the global trade system dangerously adrift. Free trade's noisy opponents would be handed a tactical victory that they would be swift to exploit. The world would be poorer as a result."
"China Opens Up"
The independent Economist editorialized (11/19): "The central question is whether Chinese communism will be strengthened by membership of the WTO--as China's leaders must hope--or be ruined by it....
"On balance, the signs are good that China will change for the better. Why on earth should China's leaders have signed up to such an undermining? One answer is that many of them have not. This is a victory for the 'reformers.'... A belief in eventual and benign political change certainly accounted for some the elation among America's trade negotiators this week. They also believed they had steered Chinese-American relations well away from the rocks that have so damaged relations in the past. Both hopes may in the end be dashed. A trade deal will solve many contentious issues...[but] it will raise many fresh rows...as the deal is put into practice. Growth allows China to build up its armed forces, and so to project itself as a regional power--a point Mr. Jiang is no doubt making to his generals. Greater prosperity, in other words, may sharpen Chinese chauvinism, not temper it.... Chinese bullying [on Taiwan] will become easier. It is far too early, in other words, for anyone to believe that America and China are somehow 'strategic partners' again."
"China's Bold Step To End Economic Isolation"
The centrist Independent said in its lead editorial (11/16): "The deal struck yesterday to get China into the WTO is good news for the country, but even better news for the rest of the world. Before the announcement that the most significant emerging economy would end its economic isolation, it looked as though the pall of failure were hanging over the WTO's forthcoming annual meeting in Seattle. It may still prove to be too difficult for the bickering blocs of the United States, Europe, Asia and the developing nations to agree on anything of substance at that meeting: there are some terrible trade rows brewing. But at least there will be new momentum on the path to free trade."
"Slow Boat From China"
The conservative Times opined (11/16): "The agreement between America and China on the terms for China's entry into the WTO is a marker on the tortuous journey towards a truly global economy.... [But] even now, Western rejoicing would be premature. China has not agreed to all that was demanded. The West must be vigilant in insisting that in the remaining period before WTO admission is completed, China lives up to its undertakings. But as the Chinese themselves often note, the longest journey begins with the first step."
"China Comes In From The Cold"
The independent Financial Times ran this lead editorial (11/16): "That the two sides have finally reached this point represents a significant breakthrough. If China implements the promised liberalization, the deal will eventually be seen as an historic milestone in its transformation into one of the great economic powers of the 21st century."
"Clinton's Powers Of Persuasion Face Congress Test"
The conservative Times had this (11/16) from Washington: "President Clinton has scant time to savor his trade deal with China before he plunges into a battle to persuade Republicans controlling Congress, and even skeptics among his fellow Democrats, to accept the agreement."
FRANCE: "Betting On Openness"
Francoise Crouigneau had this to say in right-of-center Les Echos (11/29): "The main question is how to fit trade imperatives with social imperatives.... These issues are much more complex to negotiate than the elimination of tariffs. To succeed, Europe is coming to Seattle very united. Will it be able to safeguard its unity? It will be a major test for an economic power lacking in strategy. The agreement between Beijing and Washington is a case in point: Clinton has more political, economic and financial leverage than the EU....
"Hope lies in the fact that no one can afford to take responsibility for failure. A fiasco in Seattle would be catastrophic for the WTO's credibility, and most of all for free trade."
"Welcome, China"
Left-of-center Le Monde's editorial indicated (11/17): "The Chinese-American trade agreement...is a milestone for the rest of the international community.... The agreement needs to be ratified by Congress. The task will not be easy. There remains harsh opposition in Washington against normalizing relations with Beijing.... Europe, which has always been in favor of China's participation in the world economy, can only applaud the Chinese-American agreement. But once again, Europe can see that the key to the door is held by the United States, which played its very own personal game."
"A Challenge"
Pierre Rousselin judged in right-of-center Le Figaro (11/16): "China has chosen globalization. This is a historic moment...signaling to the rest of the world that globalization has truly taken off.... This trade agreement...marks also a political turning point opening the way to reforms."
"The Great Leap"
Francoise Crouigneau maintained in right-of-center Les Echos (11/16): "The WTO...has left the United States in charge of a major dossier. Europe...has just proven its weakness in contrast to the United States.... There are dangers looming ahead: monetary, economic and democratic... Will Bill Clinton convince Congress in the name of liberalism? One hopes so, for two reasons. It would prove America's ability to counter its own isolationist trend, and help China play an economic role in keeping with its potential."
GERMANY: "A Minor Miracle"
Kai Strittmatter penned this editorial for centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (11/16): "It is a minor miracle--China's accession to the WTO is in the offing.... But...agreements with the EU and Canada still need to be signed, and this is the most delicate point: President Clinton needs the approval of a U.S. Congress that tends to be guided less by reason but by its hate of Clinton. A WTO without China, however, is not deserving of the name. China in the WTO would be a little bit more integrated into the community of nations, and this does not only refer to economic aspects."
"A Milestone"
Berlin's centrist Der Tagesspiegel argued (11/16): "China in the WTO--this is a milestone.... Europe learned its lesson...that multilateralism and the delegation of the power of the national state to supranational organizations has a stabilizing effect. The fact that China, at the threshold to the 21st century, is now backing the same kind of thinking is a good sign, a political triumph, and an enormous trust bonus."
"Agreement Not A Breakthrough"
Centrist Mitteldeutsche Zeitung of Halle insisted (11/16): "The Sino-American agreement, which is to make it easier for China to accede to the WTO, is not the great breakthrough that Washington and Beijing are now celebrating.... Thus far, China has not presented evidence that it is really fit for the global market. The opening of the domestic market has remained an empty word as long as international companies are unable to rely on sound rules and planning processes and as long as corruption continues to remain rampant on all levels of the administration."
ITALY: "WTO And China Amid Cynicism, Paradox And Miracle"
In top-circulation Corriere della Sera, Piero Ostellino said (11/22): "The agreement between Clinton and the Chinese leaders is a masterpiece of cynicism from a moral point of view; a paradox from the political point of view; and a miracle as far as the economy is concerned. Certainly the agreement will mean, in the beginning, fewer jobs in China.... Several companies, faced with competition from abroad, will fail. And the renunciation of agricultural independence will produce negative effects in the country. But the communist system's mechanism of social control will prevent destabilizing counter-effects."
"Stars And Stripes In Beijing"
An editorial in provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio stated (11/18): "The Europeans will arrive in Beijing when all the games are already over and will have a much reduced influence in the negotiations.... Perhaps the Europeans have been passive for too long as Washington-Beijing relations were evolving. Perhaps the United States has made a bold use of the role that bilateralism has offered it in the negotiations. In any case, only the stars and stripes, for the time being, have made their way to the Heavenly Empire."
"EU Will Have To Negotiate Rules With China"
Leading business Il Sole-24 Ore held (11/17): "[Even with] this historic decision, the EU...will have to negotiate rules and conditions with China later."
"Opening A Breach In The Great Wall"
Franco Venturini's front-page analysis in centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera held (11/16): "The Washington-Beijing agreement on WTO membership for China is good news...[but] the real question is whether the two tracks--communist politics and economic globalization--can continue not to cross."
"First Step Toward Integration"
Economic analyst Enrico Sassoon predicted in leading business Il Sole-24 Ore (11/16): "We need to keep in mind that this integration [of China into the WTO] does not mean automatic adaptation to the rules of Western democracy. We will have additional work to do on that."
RUSSIA: "Compromise Good For Chinese Reform"
Yuri Savenkov noted in reformist Izvestiya (11/16): "The compromise in Beijing, some analysts say, will give a good deal of impetus to economic reform in China, and is a victory for reform-minded people in its leadership."
BELGIUM: "Problems Still On the Horizon"
Asian affairs writer Philippe Paquet pointed out in conservative Catholic La Libre Belgique (11/16): "It is the political costs of the deal which are striking. In China, it means a forced conversion to a liberal economy, which, in the short term, will lead to tens of millions unemployed. In the United States, Bill Clinton will have to obtain the approval of a Congress which is dominated by Republicans whose sole ambition seems to ruin the last year of the president's term. And, in the background, the tricky or even explosive question of Taiwan's accession to the WTO remains posed."
CZECH REPUBLIC: "A Satisfied Ms. Barshefsky"
Petr Fischer observed in intellectual Lidove Noviny (11/16): "If you want to make a deal, let the woman negotiate--this tactic paid off well for the United States, which signed an...agreement with China yesterday.... The documents signed yesterday...give a hope that the biggest communist stronghold will soon collapse. If that happens, then the pragmatic Ms. Barshefsky can be doubly satisfied."
DENMARK: "China's Transformation"
Center-right Politiken commented (11/18): "China's transformation into a more dynamic and humane society should be supported by the United States and other Western countries. China's membership in the WTO will result in new investments and create jobs that can help millions of people.... Initially, the transformation could be painful, but in the long term the benefits will be enormous."
FINLAND: "China Locked Into World Of Free Trade"
Leading, independent Helsingin Sanomat's editorial predicted (11/17): "If everything goes well, China's WTO membership will be a giant step with ramifications spreading far beyond trade policy.... [Yet] the danger of a political backlash [in China] exists. Also the U.S. administration will have to overcome opposition from conservative politicians and trade unions. The Congress will have the final say on the deal.... In addition, Taiwan, too, wants WTO membership. Taiwan's position may cause some difficult surprises because there is a strong Taiwanese lobby in the U.S. Congress."
IRELAND: "Trade With China"
The moderately conservative Irish Times told its readers (11/17): "The agreement...is a daring and risky move by the Chinese leadership, which clearly signals its commitment to liberalixe the economy and open it up increasingly to international trade and investment.... The agreement signals a readiness by (the) president...and prime minister...to deliver on economic reforms of the heavily subsidised and loss-making state sector.... For a goverment that sets such store by social and political stability this is daring indeed, but necessary if fundamental reforms are to be effected."
POLAND: "A Special Kind Of Sovereignty"
Janusz Reiter observed in centrist Rzeczpospolita (11/19): "The West expects that once included in the international political and economic game, Beijing will abide by its rules. China's power will not turn against the other countries or its internal opponents, and China will gradually become a power that is peaceful and increasingly democratic. There is no guarantee that these hopes will be fulfilled.... China does not want to resign its sovereignty understood as its right to ignore both the international public and its own society."
MIDDLE EAST
EGYPT: "Why Did China Sign?"
Mona Yassin asked in Islamist-leaning, opposition Al Shaab (11/23): "Why is the Chinese government signing this deal? Analysts believe the agreement agrees with the prime minister's reform tendencies.... But the government is doing that with clear red lines about maintaining the power of the Communist Party. This explains the duality about which Americans are speaking.
"It refers to an old Chinese theory about using both hands strongly, meaning strong openness while preserving a strong communist regime. Is this possible now, or will joining the WTO change everything?"
"Difficulties Ahead"
Abdel Atti Mohamed told readers of pro-government Al-Ahram (11/16): "Despite yesterday's agreement, which opens the Chinese markets widely to American products, other efforts will be required in China's relations with Japan and Europe."
SOUTH ASIA
INDIA: "Too Weak To Negotiate?"
Resident editor Narendar Pani had this to say in the pro-economic reforms Economic Times (11/19): "Though technically, the WTO offers equal rights to all its members, the agenda for the organization has been fixed by a few major powers. Take the question of admitting China. Once it has reached an agreement with the United States it is generally believed that no other country can stop it. By reducing the multilateral system to a sequence of bilateral agreements, the major powers have ensured that agreements are reached through negotiations which they can dominate."
"Taming The Dragon"
Economist Sanjaya Baru opined in the pro-economic reforms Business Standard (11/19): "While India and other developing countries must welcome China's membership, they must also insist on greater transparency in China's economic policies, particularly its trade policy, as a precondition for China's eventual admission. China is not a fair trader.... Its emergence as an important trading nation is also based on its unabashed use of unfair trade practices. The WTO can check such practices.... More disturbingly, China has emerged as an important source of armaments imports for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Indeed, the armaments trade may become an important area of increased Chinese activity in the near future. Clearly, India must take a closer look at China's trade policy and practices and be prepared to deal with them to ensure regional stability and a strategic equilibrium in Asia."
"China In The WTO"
An editorial in the centrist Hindu argued (11/17): "In theory, China will be a valuable addition to the developing country bloc at the WTO.... [China] can be expected to follow an independent course depending on the issue involved.... However, it is in the interests of India and a number of other developing countries to forge a commonality of interests on specific issues to counter the drive by the United States and the EU to continuously broaden the WTO agenda. This is especially true of the labor and trade issue, on which China has as strong a view as India."
BANGLADESH: "U.S.-China Trade Agreement"
Anti-West Inqilab had this to say (11/18): "The United States and its European allies will have to face the toughest challenge from China in the coming century.... If the Chinese economy flourishes to its full potential in the next century, the dominance of the United States and its allies will shrink. If Chinese participation in global trade can be ensured, all will benefit from it."
NEPAL: "Trade Pact Of Historic Importance"
Government-owned Gorkhapatra observed (11/22): "The recently signed U.S.-China trade pact is of historic importance....
"China's entry will contribute much to the world's open trade policy.... China will also get an opportunity to strengthen its own economy... The pact will help China improve the adverse political situation prevailing for some time between the United States and China.... China's entry to the WTO will also bring about reforms in its laws.... However, human rights activists and American labor unions express fear about the consequences of the entry of the large and most populous country with cheap labor into the American market.... Western countries want to enter into China's monopolistic tobacco industry.... As the Chinese are great smokers, Western nations are eager to enter into China's cigarette market.... China will certainly take advantage of any differences between the United States and the EU."
AFRICA:
ZIMBABWE: "WTO--Preserve Of The Rich"
The government-controlled Daily Chronicle averred (11/15): "If the WTO is to succeed, let it be for the benefit of everybody. All members of the global community have a right, as stakeholders, to expect an accommodation of their concerns, so they can fully align their economies to participate meaningfully in influencing the global trading programs. Under no circumstances should this be considered the preserve of the rich few."
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
CANADA: "China Joins The Club"
The leading Globe and Mail asserted (11/16): "Rules are the name of the global economic game. The difficulty is persuading all the players, especially the big ones such as China, to use the same rulebook. That is where the WTO comes in with its multilateral agreements on tariffs and subsidies and its dispute-handling mechanisms.... Membership in the WTO will speed up structural reform in China's state-run enterprises by introducing fierce competition from abroad and imposing market discipline on the economy. There will be a painful adjustment and the risk of social turmoil as indebted state factories lay off millions of workers in a struggle to become more competitive and productive. This cost should be short-term, as it will be offset by growth-making liberalized trade and increased foreign investment. Integrating China into the world economy and bringing its consumers into closer economic and diplomatic contact with market-driven democracies will continue to open up China to Western influences and social values. All of this will have a slow, but cumulative effect on enhancing human rights in China. But the benefits will flow both ways. In return for the West's democratic traditions and rule of law, China will energize market economies with its productivity and untapped consumer demand. As the next WTO round gets under way later this month in Seattle, China's presence will just increase the potential for economic progress around the world."
"An Essential Agreement"
Frederic Wagniere penned this commentary in Montreal's top-circulation, centrist La Presse (11/16): "If Congress approves the agreement, everybody will win even before negotiations start. But if it is dead on arrival, we will have to ask serious questions as to the ability of the [U.S.] president to negotiate anything as long as he does not have congressional authorization."
"China Between A Rock And A Hard Place"
Editorialist Serge Truffault had this to say in Montreal's liberal Le Devoir (11/16): "By asking for membership in the WTO, China has made a move that is the equivalent of ceasing to bite its own tail. Politically however, the most populous nation on earth has perhaps put itself between a rock and a hard place."
"Slow Boat To China"
The conservative National Post remarked (11/16): "Despite the official hoopla, however, this trade agreement will not of itself usher in a new progressive China.... Transforming a controlled economy into a free one...cannot be done overnight."
ARGENTINA: "A New Step In China's Opening"
An editorial in leading Clarin read (11/22): "The agreement reached by the United States and China...implies an important step in the configuration of a new multipolarity in the international scenario and a support to the economic reforms to be implemented by the Chinese government.... China may expect that the WTO's access will mean an increase in foreign investment and a strengthening of its economy.... This promotion of commercial insertion has its parallel in other signs of opening.... The announcements of a greater participation in the UN peace forces and the resuming of commercial flights with Taiwan show the progressive elimination of the ideological and military barriers between China and the West during the century."
BRAZIL: "Significance Of China's Entry Into The WTO"
An op-ed page byliner in center-right O Estado de Sao Paulo commented (11/23): "Both Zemin and his opposition within the party know that China's entry into the multilateral trade system has serious implications for the regime's security. Such implications have two faces. First, they enlarge China's exposure to foreign influence. Second, they increase the possibilities of internal crises, which is what the current leaders fear most."
CHILE: "China And WTO"
Top-circulation, popular, independent La Tercera pointed out (11/20): "After 13 years of difficult negotiations, China and the United States reached an agreement for the Asian nation to become a WTO member.... This has several repercussions for the Western world. No one can ignore the enormous benefits of opening an economy of over a billion potential consumers.... The opening of one of the world's economic powers does not open a large market, but also makes us foresee a much more global and competitive world."
##
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Research
Telephone: (202) 619-6511
10/29/99
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