DATE=9/5/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE(L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266167
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S Senate has started a final push toward
a vote on permanent normal trade relations for China.
While the idea enjoys strong support, its backers
worry the plan could be derailed by concerns about
Beijing's weapons proliferation. V-O-A's David Swan
reports.
TEXT: Party leaders expect a vote next week on the
landmark bill, which would clear the way for China to
join the World Trade Organization and open the vast
Chinese market to American merchants. But first the
Senate must act on a series of amendments - which the
measure's supporters hope to defeat.
This is because if the Senate changes the bill that
was passed earlier by the House (of Representatives),
the two bodies must work out a compromise, then hold
another round of votes on the final version. That
scenario could put the bill in jeopardy, with the
November elections fast approaching and organized
labor strongly opposing P-N-T-R. Republican Senator
William Roth, who supports the proposal, vows to fight
all amendments even if they have merit.
/// ROTH ACT ///
Bluntly, a vote to amend is a vote to kill this
bill and with it any chance that U-S workers,
farmers and businessmen will benefit from
China's accession to the W-T-O.
/// END ACT ///
The amendment considered most likely to pass is one
put forth by Republican Senator Fred Thompson. It
would address China's sales of missiles and other
weapons of mass destruction to countries like
Pakistan, a charge Beijing denies. Members of both
parties are backing the Thompson proposal. Democratic
Leader Tom Daschle says he hopes to kill it.
/// DASCHLE ACT ///
I think we feel hopeful, maybe confident, that
we have the votes necessary to defeat Senator
Thompson's amendment. I think we do but
obviously if it fails (and the amendment passes)
the situation becomes very, very complicated.
/// END ACT ///
Other amendments seek to protect human rights and
workers' rights in China. Foreign Relations Committee
Chairman Jesse Helms denounced China's arms sales, its
threats toward Taiwan and what he calls a brazen land
grab in the Spratley Islands.
/// HELMS ACT ///
The fact is that the United States has had - has
had - normal trade relations with Communist
China for the past 20 years. Yet Communist
China's behavior has not improved one iota
(bit). It has worsened dramatically on every
one of these fronts.
/// END ACT ///
Still, most senators appear firmly committed to the
basic concept of P-N-T-R. The bill's proponents will
now try to keep the debate focused on trade and steer
the measure away from the political minefield of
amendments. (Signed)
NEB/DS/ENE/KBK
05-Sep-2000 16:59 PM EDT (05-Sep-2000 2059 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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