DATE=2/25/2000
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=CHINA E.U. TRADE TALKS
NUMBER=5-45516
BYLINE=AMY BICKERS
DATELINE=HONG KONG
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Talks between the European Union and Beijing on
China's accession to the World Trade Organization
faltered this week. But as Amy Bickers reports from
Hong Kong, the European Union remains hopeful that an
agreement will soon be reached.
TEXT: Top negotiators from the European Union left
Beijing Friday, after four days of talks with their
Chinese counterparts on Beijing's long-desired goal to
join the W-T-O. While no deal was struck, another
round of negotiations is expected.
The E-U says significant progress was made this week,
but warns that major disagreements persist. Victor
Monfort of the European Union's Hong Kong office says
stumbling blocks remain, but refused to go into
detail.
/// MONFORT ACT ///
We have always been very supportive of China's W-T-O
accession. That has been a consistent point in our
policy. So far nothing has changed there. Obviously
that accession has to be done on terms that are
acceptable to all parties. Our position is respect of
China's accession has not changed and we are extremely
supportive.
/// END ACT ///
A key issue is said to include a European demand for
greater access to the telecommunications market.
Insurance is another contentious subject. While
Chinese trade officials say the two sides are very
close to a deal, Mr. Monfort says they have yet to
make a breakthrough.
/// MONFORT ACT ///
The positions have narrowed and the gap is narrower
but we will need further discussions. No date has been
fixed so far nor a venue for talks.
/// END ACT ///
Both sides had hoped that the talks would lead to a
deal similar to the one struck last year between
Washington and Beijing. In that accord, Washington
pledged to support China's W-T-O membership and
Beijing agreed to open various industries to foreign
business interests.
Before China can join the trade body, it must reach
separate market access agreements with all of the W-T-
O's 135 members. The E-U is among 13 yet to conclude
negotiations. The talks with the E-U took place
against a backdrop of growing opposition to China
among some U-S lawmakers.
Earlier this week Beijing threatened to use military
force to achieve reunification with Taiwan, angering
many in Washington who say reunification must be a
peaceful process. The political tension is casting a
shadow over the upcoming Congressional vote on the U-
S/China trade accord. So while China must win over
Brussels, it is also faced with growing concerns among
American lawmakers.
(SIGNED)
NEB/AB/FC/PLM
25-Feb-2000 05:46 AM EDT (25-Feb-2000 1046 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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