DATE=4/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON-CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261702
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The Clinton administration has enlisted the 
support of some of the United States' most prominent 
economists in its drive for permanent normal trading 
status and World Trade Organization membership for 
China.  VOA's David Gollust reports from the White 
House.

TEXT:  With only a month to go before a decisive vote 
in Congress, the administration is stepping up its 
efforts to win support for a trade measure it contends 
will both advance U-S economic interests and promote a 
freer society in China. 

The White House released a letter signed by nearly 150 
U-S economists -- including 13 Nobel laureates -- 
endorsing World Trade Organization membership for 
China.  They say by entering the W-T-O, China will 
open its borders to international competition, lock in 
and deepen its commitment to economic reform, and 
promote economic development and freedoms.

The administration is seeking congressional support 
for a bill that would clear the way for W-T-O 
membership for China by granting Beijing permanent 
normal U-S trading status. 

The measure has broad support among majority 
Republicans, but is opposed by many in President 
Clinton's Democratic party -- some of whom argue that 
ending what has been an annual debate on Chinese trade 
preferences will cost the United States leverage on 
human rights.

But in their joint letter, the economists support the 
White House contention that opening China to trade and 
making it abide by W-T-O rules will promote reform and 
advance the rule of law. 

One of the signatories - Massachusetts Institute of 
Techology economist and 1987 Nobel Laureate Robert 
Solow - told reporters here that expanding the access 
of the Chinese people to information technology 
through trade will do far more to promote freedom than 
the yearly set of congressional hearings:
 
            /// SOLOW ACTUALITY ///

      The progress of human rights and the expansion 
      of democracy in China will be better served by 
      China's economic development - by China being 
      drawn into relationships with other parts of the 
      world - will be far better served by that, than 
      it will be served by annual speeches either from 
      the President or from members of the Senate or 
      House.

            /// END ACT ///

Other Nobel Prize signatories include Mr. Solow's M-I-
T colleague Paul Samuelson -- who has been identified 
with past Democratic administrations -- and Milton 
Friedman of California's Hoover Institution, a leading 
conservative who has advised Republican Presidents.

Despite the bipartisan show of support, the fate of 
the trade measure remains in doubt with an array of 
environmental, labor and human rights groups opposing 
it.

White House hopes of passage could depend on 
amendments being circulated by friendly Democrats 
which would continue an annual congressional debate on 
Chinese human rights without linkage to trade.

Republican leaders have promised votes by the end of 
May in the Senate -- where approval is considered 
likely -- and in the House, where the bill's fate is 
unclear. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/ENE/KL



25-Apr-2000 13:42 PM EDT (25-Apr-2000 1742 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.