ACCESSION NUMBER:288825
FILE ID:TXT103
DATE:06/14/93
TITLE:CLINTON RENEWS MFN FOR CHINA (06/14/93)
1EXT:*93061403.TXT
CLINTON RENEWS MFN FOR CHINA

(VOA Editorial)  (500)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America June 13,
reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)

President Bill Clinton recently signed an executive order renewing
China's most-favored-nation, or MFN, trading status with the United States
for another year.  The executive order sets forth human rights conditions
that the Chinese government will have to meet in order for MFN to be
renewed in 1994.

In a statement, Clinton noted that, "China occupies an important place in
(U.S.) foreign policy.  It is the world's most populous state, its fastest
growing major economy, and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.
 (China's) future will do much to shape the future of Asia, (U.S.) security
and trade relations in the Pacific, and a host of global issues, from the
environment to weapons proliferation."

President Clinton also pointed out that "the American people continue to
harbor profound concerns about a range of practices by China's communist
leaders.  We are concerned that many activists and pro-democracy leaders,
including some from Tiananmen Square, continue to languish behind prison
bars in China for no crime other than exercising their consciences.  We are
concerned about international access to (Chinese) prisons.  And we are
concerned by the Dalai Lama's reports of Chinese abuses against the people
and culture of Tibet."

To ensure that U.S. concerns are met, President Clinton will examine China's
actions in several areas.  They include steps by China "to begin adhering
to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the release of prisoners
detained for the non-violent expression of their political and religious
beliefs, and the humane treatment of prisoners.  Other steps include
protecting Tibet's distinctive religious and cultural heritage, and
permitting international radio and television broadcasts into China.  In
addition, Clinton said that China must comply with its 1992 agreement with
the United States concerning prison labor.

President Clinton also stressed the importance of addressing China's role in
the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and said the United States would
deal with this matter separately from the MFN issue.  He said the United
States "is now examining reports that China has shipped M-11 ballistic
missiles to Pakistan.  If true, such action would violate China's
commitment to observe the guidelines...of the Missile Technology Control
Regime."  U.S. law provides for strict sanctions against nations that
violate those guidelines.  Clinton said that if the United States
determines that China has transferred M-11 missiles or related equipment in
violation of its commitments, the United States "will not hesitate to act."

President Clinton said the United States is prepared to build a more
cooperative relationship with China and to work with China as an active
member of the international community.  But he said the United States also
expects "China to meet basic international standards in its treatment of
its people, its sales of dangerous arms, and its foreign trade."

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