DATE=5/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA TRADE - DISSIDENTS (L-O)
NUMBER=2-262534
BYLINE=CANDACE WILLIAMS
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Dozens of Chinese dissidents have rallied in
Washington to protest U-S efforts to extend permanent
trade privileges to China. V-O-A's Candace Williams
has more on the demonstration, which comes one week
before the House of Representatives is scheduled to
vote on the controversial bill.
TEXT: About 60 Chinese exiles marched across the
grounds of the U-S Capitol, carrying a 30-meter chain
with black ribbons to symbolize what they say is
political and religious repression in China.
One demonstrator was Chris Wu, who was jailed for 12
years in China for his pro-democracy activities. Mr.
Wu believes permanent trade privileges could give
China the financial means to buy weapons to use
against Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade
province.
/// WU ACT ///
If they make a lot of money, they will buy the hi-tech
arms to harm Taiwan and the peace of the Asia-Pacific
region. Don't pass this P-N-T-R.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Wu says political differences between China and
Taiwan must be resolved before the trade privileges
can be extended to China.
Several U-S lawmakers took part in the protest,
including House Minority Whip David Bonior. The
Michigan Democrat opposes extending permanent normal
trade relations, or P-N-T-R, to China, because he says
the Beijing government does not respect human rights
or the rule of law.
/// BONIOR ACT ///
Will the China trade deal make China a freer,
fairer, more democratic nation? I don't think
so. But don't take my word for it; just ask
these dissidents and exiles - these heroes here
today. Ask that, and what they'll tell you is
that while this trade deal may lift tariffs, it
won't pry open the door to a single prison cell.
/// END ACT ///
President Clinton believes a "yes" vote for P-N-T-R
would help reduce tensions along the Taiwan Strait and
encourage the democratic process in China. The
president has made P-N-T-R an essential part of U-S
integration with China and says the deal could improve
U-S business access to the world's most populous
nation.
But critics say the market-opening deal does not take
into account China's human rights record and history
of labor abuses. They also are concerned the measure
will cost U-S workers jobs.
/// REST OPT ///
Passage of the trade bill would end annual reviews of
China's trade status and guarantee Chinese goods the
same low-tariff access to U-S markets as products from
nearly every other nation. It would also clear the way
for China's entry into the World Trade Organization.
On Wednesday, key House and Senate committees
overwhelmingly endorsed legislation in support of the
deal.
The full House of Representatives votes on the issue
next week, and supporters and opponents of P-N-T-R say
the vote is too close to call. The Senate is expected
to take up the issue in June. (Signed)
NEB/CAW/ENE/gm
18-May-2000 14:59 PM EDT (18-May-2000 1859 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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