Week of April 7, 2000
Week of March 31, 2000
The U.S. and China This Week
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US-CHINA RELATIONS: PNTR with China is Gaining Support
SUMMARY:In an address to members of the high-tech community in
San Jose, California on Monday April 3, President Clinton averred that
granting China permanent normal trade relations would enhance the record
growth of the American economy while reiterating that it would cost
America "zip, zilch, nada, zero" in return. The President elucidated how
the PNTR legislation would open up the Chinese market for a wide variety
of American products, including automobiles, agriculture, telecommunications
and computers. But since the high-tech world supports trade with China,
Clinton’s real audience was Congress. Furthermore, the White House
announced early this week that 40 governors have signed a letter to Congress
urging support of PNTR status for China. The prospect of passing the
legislation is promising in the largely pro-trade Senate, though it is
unclear whether the full Senate would vote before the House.
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TRADE: E.U. and China End WTO Talks
SUMMARY:Early this week, WTO talks between the 15-nation European
Union Trade Commission and China broke down when disagreements could not
be resolved. Although the discrepancies have not been openly discussed,
it is reported that the Europeans want greater access to China’s insurance,
telecommunications and automobile markets.
However, despite the set back both sides seemed optimistic about continuing
talks in the unspecified future. Pascal Lamy, the EU Trade Commissioner,
said he was not discouraged by the events, adding: "I am paid for getting
an agreement and if it’s not this time it will be another time." "I’m
calm. I know it’s difficult for them. I know it’s difficult for us," he
said. Also, China’s Xinhua News Agency quoted China’s foreign trade minister
Shi Guangsheng as saying: "The talks are positive, constructive and fruitful.
Both sides hope to reach an agreement as soon as possible, and the negotiations
will continue in the future."
China has been trying to join the WTO for 14 years. After bilateral
agreements with Japan, Canada, the U.S. and other countries, the EU is an
important trading power which has yet to reach an agreement with China.
This could prevent China from WTO entry this year. According to the
Geneva-based body that sets rules for global trade, any WTO member has a
right to hold talks with any applicant country due to its trade concerns.
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The U.S. and China This Week
uscpf@uscpf.org
Last updated: 7 April 2000
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