DATE=3/8/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - CHINA - WTO (L)
NUMBER=2-260000
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: President Clinton Wednesday submitted
legislation to Congress that would grant China
permanent normal trade privileges - paving the way
for a tough battle over trade, particularly with
lawmakers from his own Democratic party. In a speech
in Washington, Mr. Clinton argued the measure is in
the US national interest. Correspondent Deborah Tate
reports from the White House.
Text: Mr. Clinton calls the vote on China's trade
status the most signficant opportunity to create
positive change in that country since the 1970's, when
President Richard Nixon visited Beijing and later when
President Jimmy Carter normalized relations.
But the measure to extend permanent normal trade ties
to China - a necessary step for Beijing's accession to
the World Trade Organization - faces significant
opposition from House Democrats,who - backed by their
labor union allies - believe greater trade with China
would erode labor and environmental standards. Other
lawmakers are reluctant to back the measure in light
of Beijing's questionable human rights record and its
recent threats to use force against Taiwan.
Mr. Clinton acknowledges such concerns, but argues
greater trade with China would inevitably lead to
positive change there.
// Clinton actuality //
I believe the choice between economic rights and
human rights, between economic security and
national security is a false one. Membership
in the WTO of course will not create a free
society in China overnight, or guarantee that
China will play by global rules. But over
time, I believe that over time, it will move
China faster and further in the right direction,
and certainly will do that more than rejection
would.
// end act //
The President says the trade agreement would open the
markets of the world's most populous nation to US
products - creating American jobs, not losing them to
China as critics' contend:
// Clinton actuality //
For the first time our companies will be able to
sell and distribute products in China made by
workers here in America without being forced to
relocate manufacturing to China, sell through
the Chinese government, or transfer valuable
technology, for the first time. We will be able
to export products without exporting jobs.
// end act //
Under a deal reached last November, Beijing agreed to
open more of its markets to foreign goods in exchange
for Washington agreeing to support China's entry into
the WTO.
Mr. Clinton says Chinese leaders realize that if they
open their country's markets to global competition,
they risk unleashing forces beyond their control:
temporary unemployment, social unrest, and greater
demands for freedom. But, he says, they also know
that without such competition, China will not be able
to attract the investment necessary to build a modern,
successful economy. And that, he warns, could be even
more destabilizing.
The President appealed to Congress to support China's
decision - saying to do otherwise would be - in his
words - a mistake of historic proportions.
Mr. Clinton would like the House and Senate to vote on
the legislation by June to avoid having the issue
become politicized in the run-up to November's general
elections.
// rest opt //
Earlier, White House spokesman Joe Lockhart announced
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman and Commerce
Secretary William Daley will each take a group of
lawmakers to China next month. MR. Lockhart says the
more members of Congress learn about the benefits of
opening China's markets to US businesses and workers,
the more likely they will vote for permanent normal
trade relations for that country. (signed)
NEB/DAT/PT
08-Mar-2000 19:38 PM EDT (09-Mar-2000 0038 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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