DATE=5/20/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON-CHINA-TRADE (S-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262593
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


INTRO: President Clinton has canceled plans to deliver 
a nationally televised address Sunday to press his 
case for congressional passage of
permanent normal trade relations for China.  Mr. 
Clinton made his decision after House Democrats 
expressed concern the speech would make the issue
more divisive.  Correspondent Deborah Tate explains.

Text: White House aides say Mr. Clinton decided to 
abandon the speech after talking with House Minority 
Leader Dick Gephardt and other congressional Democrats 
during a flight to Chicago for a fundraising 
appearance Friday
night.

Mr. Gephardt is a leading opponent of the trade pact, 
and had been asked by some Democrats to deliver a 
televised response to Mr. Clinton's address.

But aides say lawmakers who had initially supported 
the idea of a Presidential address changed their minds 
Friday, fearing the speech would make the issue only 
more divisive.

The House vote on p-n-t-r is expected next Wednesday 
or Thursday.  Supporters and opponents predict a close 
vote.

Some Democrats - backed by their labor union allies - 
oppose the measure, fearing it would lead to lost 
American jobs and reward Beijing for its questionable 
human rights record and its tensions with Taiwan.

Mr. Clinton argues normalizing trade relations would 
create jobs and that more engagement would help change 
China's behavior. (Signed)

neb/dat/plm





20-May-2000 02:31 AM EDT (20-May-2000 0631 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.