DATE=2/25/2000
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=CHINA E.U. TRADE TALKS
NUMBER=5-45516
BYLINE=AMY BICKERS
DATELINE=HONG KONG
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO: Talks between the European Union and Beijing on 
China's accession to the World Trade Organization 
faltered this week. But as Amy Bickers reports from 
Hong Kong, the European Union remains hopeful that an 
agreement will soon be reached.

TEXT: Top negotiators from the European Union left 
Beijing Friday, after four days of talks with their 
Chinese counterparts on Beijing's long-desired goal to 
join the W-T-O. While no deal was struck, another 
round of negotiations is expected. 

The E-U says significant progress was made this week, 
but warns that major disagreements persist. Victor 
Monfort of the European Union's Hong Kong office says 
stumbling blocks remain, but refused to go into 
detail.

/// MONFORT ACT ///

We have always been very supportive of China's W-T-O 
accession. That has been a consistent point in our 
policy. So far nothing has changed there. Obviously 
that accession has to be done on terms that are 
acceptable to all parties. Our position is respect of 
China's accession has not changed and we are extremely 
supportive.

/// END ACT ///

A key issue is said to include a European demand for 
greater access to the telecommunications market. 
Insurance is another contentious subject. While 
Chinese trade officials say the two sides are very 
close to a deal, Mr. Monfort says they have yet to 
make a breakthrough.    

/// MONFORT ACT ///

 The positions have narrowed and the gap is narrower 
but we will need further discussions. No date has been 
fixed so far nor a venue for talks. 

/// END ACT ///

Both sides had hoped that the talks would lead to a 
deal similar to the one struck last year between 
Washington and Beijing. In that accord, Washington 
pledged to support China's W-T-O membership and 
Beijing agreed to open various industries to foreign 
business interests. 

Before China can join the trade body, it must reach 
separate market access agreements with all of the W-T-
O's 135 members.  The E-U is among 13 yet to conclude 
negotiations. The talks with the E-U took place 
against a backdrop of growing opposition to China 
among some U-S lawmakers. 

Earlier this week Beijing threatened to use military 
force to achieve reunification with Taiwan, angering 
many in Washington who say reunification must be a 
peaceful process. The political tension is casting a 
shadow over the upcoming Congressional vote on the U-
S/China trade accord. So while China must win over 
Brussels, it is also faced with growing concerns among 
American lawmakers.  

(SIGNED)

NEB/AB/FC/PLM 



25-Feb-2000 05:46 AM EDT (25-Feb-2000 1046 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.