DATE=5/22/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262656
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:

INTRO:  With a crucial vote approaching in the U-S House of 
Representatives on normalizing trade relations with China, 
President Clinton is personally lobbying undecided 
lawmakers to support the measure.  In what is has become 
the biggest legislative battle this year, Mr. Clinton is 
not leaving anything to chance.  Correspondent Deborah Tate 
reports from the White House.

TEXT:   Mr. Clinton says he remains hopeful the trade 
measure will pass.  "We are making progress," he told 
reporters after welcoming South African President Thabo 
Mbeki to the White House.

A vote on extending permanent normal trade relations [or P-
N-T-R] to China is tentatively scheduled in the House 
Wednesday, and the outcome is expected to be close.

Some lawmakers in Mr. Clinton's own Democratic party, 
backed by their influential labor union allies, fear freer 
trade with China would set back human rights in that 
country and could result in the loss of hundreds of 
thousands of American jobs.

Mr. Clinton argues otherwise -- that more trade with the 
world's most populous nation will help create jobs, and 
that through engagement the United States can help 
influence China's behavior.

A few dozen lawmakers remain undecided, and White House 
spokesman Joe Lockhart says the President will personally 
argue the merits of P-N-T-R to them ahead of the vote.

                  /// 1st LOCKHART ACT ///

      This has come down to a small universe of 
      members who are making up their minds, and we will do 
      our best to make our case to them over the next two 
      days.

                      /// END ACT ///

Mr. Lockhart says the administration will be happy if only 
a simple majority of the 435-member House backs the 
measure.

                  /// 2ND LOCKHART ACT ///

      Ultimately our goal here is to get 218 votes for this 
      [measure] to pass P-N-T-R.

                      /// END ACT ///

The trade measure, which is expected to be easily approved 
in the Senate, would open Chinese markets to more U-S goods 
and end the annual congressional review of China's trading 
status.  It would also pave the way for China to enter the 
World Trade Organization.   (Signed)

NEB/DAT/WTW



22-May-2000 16:15 PM EDT (22-May-2000 2015 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.