DATE=4/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON-CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261702
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Clinton administration has enlisted the
support of some of the United States' most prominent
economists in its drive for permanent normal trading
status and World Trade Organization membership for
China. VOA's David Gollust reports from the White
House.
TEXT: With only a month to go before a decisive vote
in Congress, the administration is stepping up its
efforts to win support for a trade measure it contends
will both advance U-S economic interests and promote a
freer society in China.
The White House released a letter signed by nearly 150
U-S economists -- including 13 Nobel laureates --
endorsing World Trade Organization membership for
China. They say by entering the W-T-O, China will
open its borders to international competition, lock in
and deepen its commitment to economic reform, and
promote economic development and freedoms.
The administration is seeking congressional support
for a bill that would clear the way for W-T-O
membership for China by granting Beijing permanent
normal U-S trading status.
The measure has broad support among majority
Republicans, but is opposed by many in President
Clinton's Democratic party -- some of whom argue that
ending what has been an annual debate on Chinese trade
preferences will cost the United States leverage on
human rights.
But in their joint letter, the economists support the
White House contention that opening China to trade and
making it abide by W-T-O rules will promote reform and
advance the rule of law.
One of the signatories - Massachusetts Institute of
Techology economist and 1987 Nobel Laureate Robert
Solow - told reporters here that expanding the access
of the Chinese people to information technology
through trade will do far more to promote freedom than
the yearly set of congressional hearings:
/// SOLOW ACTUALITY ///
The progress of human rights and the expansion
of democracy in China will be better served by
China's economic development - by China being
drawn into relationships with other parts of the
world - will be far better served by that, than
it will be served by annual speeches either from
the President or from members of the Senate or
House.
/// END ACT ///
Other Nobel Prize signatories include Mr. Solow's M-I-
T colleague Paul Samuelson -- who has been identified
with past Democratic administrations -- and Milton
Friedman of California's Hoover Institution, a leading
conservative who has advised Republican Presidents.
Despite the bipartisan show of support, the fate of
the trade measure remains in doubt with an array of
environmental, labor and human rights groups opposing
it.
White House hopes of passage could depend on
amendments being circulated by friendly Democrats
which would continue an annual congressional debate on
Chinese human rights without linkage to trade.
Republican leaders have promised votes by the end of
May in the Senate -- where approval is considered
likely -- and in the House, where the bill's fate is
unclear. (Signed)
NEB/DAG/ENE/KL
25-Apr-2000 13:42 PM EDT (25-Apr-2000 1742 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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