DATE=8/30/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=US-CHINA RELATIONS (L-0)
NUMBER=2-266001
BYLINE=JANICE BERLINER
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A high-ranking Chinese official says relations
between the United States and Beijing are back on
track after last year's U-S bombing of the Chinese
embassy in Belgrade. The assessment comes from Zhao
Qizheng of China's Minister of State Council
Information Office who is touring the United States.
V-O-A's Janice Berliner reports on Mr. Zhao's remarks
to reporters in Washington Wednesday.
TEXT: Minister Zhao is visiting the United States in
an effort to improve relations between the two
nations, especially after the United States bombed
China's embassy in Yugoslavia in May of last year. He
told reporters in Washington that contrary to
suspicions in the United States, his government did
not foment the anti-U-S demonstrations in Beijing and
other Chinese cities following the bombing.
And in any case, he adds through an interpreter, it is
time for U-S / Chinese relations to return to normal.
/// ZHAO INTERPRETER ACT ///
If we look back at history, we can see U-S /
Chinese relations have gone through many twists
and turns. And although there are serious
disagreements, that relationship will become
friendlier . Because the relations between us
should become sturdy and long lasting like
redwood trees.
/// END ACT ///
Even so, Mr. Zhao says there are several issues that
could cause trouble between the two countries.
/// ZHAO ACT TWO ///
There have been many differences of opinion,
some serious stumbling blocks -- the trade
imbalance, the Dalai Lama, Taiwan, human rights.
/// END ACT ///
Among those listening to the Chinese official was a
former U-S Ambassador to China, James Sasser, who said
later it was above all important to avoid a conflict
with Beijing over Taiwan.
/// SASSER ACT ///
I think most Americans and certainly Americans
in positions of leadership -- that is a
President, a vice president, a secretary of
state -- see no reason for there to be conflict
between the mainland and Taiwan. We all believe
that this is an issue that over time can be
resolved in a peaceable fashion and resolved in
a way that will be in the best interest of all
the parties involved.
/// END ACT ///
Another issue mentioned by Mr. Zhao was the huge
bilateral trade deficit between the United States and
China. The Chinese official said Beijing hoped to
solve the situation but had a problem with buying more
American-made goods.
/// ZHAO INTERPRETER ACT THREE ///
China is willing to help shrink the trade
deficit because we'd like to buy more jets from
Boeing and buy more American computers.
/// END ACT ///
But Mr. Zhao said his country worries about buying
such high-tech goods because the United States could
impose trade boycotts and prevent it from getting
spare parts - a problem he says China does not have
with Europe. (SIGNED)
NEB/JB/JP
30-Aug-2000 17:19 PM LOC (30-Aug-2000 2119 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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