DATE=5/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON / CHINA TRADE (L)
NUMBER=2-262525
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  President Clinton got a public endorsement 
from Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan 
(today / Thursday), as he began a final drive to win 
Congressional approval for permanent, normal U-S trade 
status for China.  V-O-A's David Gollust reports from 
the White House.

TEXT:  The U-S central bank chief rarely gets involved 
in domestic politics.  His appearance alongside the 
President underscored the importance the 
administration attaches to the China trade measure, 
which is due for a decisive vote in the House of 
Representatives next week. 

The bill would extend permanent, normal U-S trading 
status to China in exchange for sweeping new access to 
Chinese markets for American goods and services.  It 
would eliminate what has been an annual debate in 
Congress over China's trade and human-rights 
practices, and would help open the way to Chinese 
membership in the World Trade Organization.

Echoing earlier written testimony to Congress, Mr. 
Greenspan said the trade package would reduce 
centralized control over the Chinese economy.  In the 
process, he said, it would be "a far stronger vehicle" 
for fostering individual rights in China than any 
other alternative that he is aware of: 

                 /// GREENSPAN ACT ///

      Further development of China's trading 
      relationships with the United States and other 
      industrial countries will work to strengthen the 
      rule of law within China and to firm its 
      commitment to economic reform.  China's citizens 
      will come to have greater choice about their 
      lifestyles and employment, and to enjoy enhanced 
      access to communication and information from 
      around the globe.

                   /// END ACT ///

President Clinton, who last week assembled former 
Presidents, secretaries of state and others to endorse 
the trade bill, says serious national-security and 
economic issues are involved in the debate.  He says 
congressional approval would "dramatically" increase 
the chances for a constructive U-S relationship with 
China and a stable Asia:

                  /// CLINTON ACT ///

      If you want to reduce tensions along the Taiwan 
      Strait, if you want a more stable Asia, if you 
      want to maximize the chances of avoiding 
      proliferation of dangerous weapons and a new 
      arms race, a "yes" is the right vote.

                   /// END ACT ///

The China trade bill is opposed by U-S organized labor 
and others, including some human-rights advocates who 
argue that giving up the annual debate in Congress 
will cost the United States leverage with Beijing on 
rights issues.  In response to those concerns, the 
administration is backing a parallel bill setting up a 
permanent congressional commission to monitor Chinese 
human-rights practices.

Despite key committee votes in favor of the trade 
measure Wednesday, White House officials insist that a 
victory for Mr. Clinton next week is not assured.  The 
President is to meet individually with undecided House 
members over the next new days, and will make a brief 
televised address to the nation Sunday evening to seek 
public support.   (Signed)

NEB/DAG/WTW



18-May-2000 12:26 PM EDT (18-May-2000 1626 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.