ACCESSION NUMBER:220029
FILE ID:EP-303
DATE:03/18/92
TITLE:THREE ISSUES NEED TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE CHINA IS GRANTED MFN (03/18/92)
TEXT:*92031803.EPF
*EPF303   03/18/92 *

THREE ISSUES NEED TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE CHINA IS GRANTED MFN
(Text:  Republican Franks in Congressional Record)  (370)
Washington -- Before granting unconditional MFN status to China, "it is
important to verify that they have made improvements" in the areas of
nuclear proliferation, trade practices and "an overall appalling human
rights record," according to Rep. Gary Franks (Republican of Connecticut).

Franks says China has made secret technology and materials transfers to Iran
1nd Syria.

Following is the text of Franks' remarks, as it appeared in the March 16
Congressional Record:

(begin text)
Remarks by FRANKS, GARY (R-CT) on H.R. 2212
ISSUES NEED TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE CHINA IS GRANTED MFN
Mr. FRANKS of Connecticut.  Mr. Speaker, I am concerned with granting
unconditional MFN status to China at this time.  Their record on nuclear
proliferation, human rights and trade practices is not a good one.  Before
granting status to them it is important to verify that they have made
improvements in these areas.

While the Cold War is over, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
is now a reality.  China may be contributing to this problem.  As late as
1991, China secretly transferred technology to Iran.  Intelligence reports
have also recently said that China has made a shipment to Syria of 30 tons
of chemicals needed to build a solid fuel missile and plan to transfer 60
tons more in March and April.

While China has agreed to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it
needs to be signed before we can grant MFN status.  There are still issues
that need clarification before we go ahead with the signing.  For instance,
they have not yet agreed to require full IAEA safeguards as a condition for
their nuclear exports.

Other concerns to me are China's policies of coerced abortions, forced
sterilization and an overall appalling human rights record.  Significant
progress needs to be made on the inhumane treatment of prisoners and
religious persecution.

I hope that we can resolve these issues shortly and that MFN status may be
granted.  We may also have some disagreements with them regarding trade,
but overall I think MFN could help to clear those up.

(end text)
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