DATE=7/6/2000
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE
NUMBER=5-46618
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
INTRO: In a few weeks the U-S Senate is likely to
vote on whether to grant permanent normal trade
relations to China (P-N-T-R). This is expected to be
the final stamp of approval for the landmark plan,
clearing the way for Beijing to join the World Trade
Organization and opening China's vast market to
American companies. But there may be a few battles
left in the long political war over P-N-T-R. V-O-A's
David Swan reports.
TEXT: Ever since the House of Representatives passed
the China trade bill in May, its backers have been
anxious for senators to close out the debate. The
administration and its allies fear the issue could
become tangled in election-year politics if the Senate
puts off its vote past July. Democratic Leader Tom
Daschle now expects Republicans will bring up the bill
by the third week of this month.
// Daschle act //
I believe that it's likely that it will come up
in the middle of July. I don't have a "date
certain" (a set or definite date) yet but we
have a "week certain."
// end act //
But though he favors P-N-T-R, Majority Leader Trent
Lott has so far declined to set a firm date for the
vote. He has decided the Senate should take up
another bill first - one that would punish China for
selling weapons to countries like Pakistan.
// Lott act //
Nuclear weapon proliferation by China has been
going on, may be going on this very moment and
could be a problem in the future. Shouldn't we
try to monitor that? Shouldn't we take actions
if in fact they're doing some of those things?
// end act //
Questions about Chinese arms proliferation are nothing
new, but the matter has suddenly become more worrisome
for P-N-T-R supporters. U-S intelligence agencies are
said to have fresh evidence China is helping Pakistan
build long-range missiles that can carry nuclear
warheads. While Beijing denies the reports, those who
are working to pass the trade bill fear these latest
allegations could strengthen the opposition.
Critics charge the Clinton administration has turned a
blind eye while China violated non-proliferation
standards. Republican Senator Fred Thompson says
Chinese weapons and expertise are spreading to several
countries.
// Thompson act //
They have now been responsible, apparently, for
two missile plants in Pakistan. The India-
Pakistan part of the world is a nuclear
tinderbox.
// end act //
Mr. Thompson is sponsoring the bill that would slap
sanctions on China for such behavior. The measure has
drawn stiff opposition from the White House and
Democrats -- like Senator Max Baucus, who calls it too
heavy-handed.
// Baucus act //
It has unilateral sanctions, mandatory not
discretionary (optional) sanctions against
China, it's very overdrawn, American companies
doing business in China could be sanctioned.
// end act //
Despite the concerns about missile sales, human rights
and other matters, the Senate is strongly inclined to
favor free trade in general and P-N-T-R in particular.
A survey taken (by Reuters) a few weeks ago found 63
of 100 lawmakers backing the bill - enough not only to
pass it but to shut off delaying tactics.
Once the Senate deals with the proliferation issue and
perhaps clears away some unrelated budget bills, the
final debate on P-N-T-R should begin. Its supporters
will focus on blocking amendments, or changes, which
would send the proposal back to the House for another
vote. (Signed)
NEB/DS/PT
06-Jul-2000 15:58 PM EDT (06-Jul-2000 1958 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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