DATE=7/6/2000
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE
NUMBER=5-46618
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=


INTRO:  In a few weeks the U-S Senate is likely to 
vote on whether to grant permanent normal trade 
relations to China (P-N-T-R).  This is expected to be 
the final stamp of approval for the landmark plan, 
clearing the way for Beijing to join the World Trade 
Organization and opening China's vast market to 
American companies. But there may be a few battles 
left in the long political war over P-N-T-R.  V-O-A's 
David Swan reports.



TEXT:  Ever since the House of Representatives passed 
the China trade bill in May, its backers have been 
anxious for senators to close out the debate.  The 
administration and its allies fear the issue could 
become tangled in election-year politics if the Senate 
puts off its vote past July.  Democratic Leader Tom 
Daschle now expects Republicans will bring up the bill 
by the third week of this month.

            // Daschle act //

      I believe that it's likely that it will come up 
      in the middle of July.  I don't have a "date 
      certain" (a set or definite date) yet but we 
      have a "week certain."


            // end act //

But though he favors P-N-T-R, Majority Leader Trent 
Lott has so far declined to set a firm date for the 
vote.  He has decided the Senate should take up 
another bill first - one that would punish China for 
selling weapons to countries like Pakistan. 

            // Lott act //

      Nuclear weapon proliferation by China has been 
      going on, may be going on this very moment and 
      could be a problem in the future.  Shouldn't we 
      try to monitor that?  Shouldn't we take actions 
      if in fact they're doing some of those things?


            // end act //

Questions about Chinese arms proliferation are nothing 
new, but the matter has suddenly become more worrisome 
for P-N-T-R supporters.  U-S intelligence agencies are 
said to have fresh evidence China is helping Pakistan 
build long-range missiles that can carry nuclear 
warheads.  While Beijing denies the reports, those who 
are working to pass the trade bill fear these latest 
allegations could strengthen the opposition.

Critics charge the Clinton administration has turned a 
blind eye while China violated non-proliferation 
standards.  Republican Senator Fred Thompson says 
Chinese weapons and expertise are spreading to several 
countries.

            // Thompson act //

      They have now been responsible, apparently, for 
      two missile plants in Pakistan.  The India-
      Pakistan part of the world is a nuclear 
      tinderbox.


            // end act //

Mr. Thompson is sponsoring the bill that would slap 
sanctions on China for such behavior.  The measure has 
drawn stiff opposition from the White House and 
Democrats -- like Senator Max Baucus, who calls it too 
heavy-handed.

            // Baucus act //

      It has unilateral sanctions, mandatory not 
      discretionary (optional) sanctions against 
      China, it's very overdrawn, American companies 
      doing business in China could be sanctioned.


            // end act //

Despite the concerns about missile sales, human rights 
and other matters, the Senate is strongly inclined to 
favor free trade in general and P-N-T-R in particular.  
A survey taken (by Reuters) a few weeks ago found 63 
of 100 lawmakers backing the bill - enough not only to 
pass it but to shut off delaying tactics. 

Once the Senate deals with the proliferation issue and 
perhaps clears away some unrelated budget bills, the 
final debate on P-N-T-R should begin.  Its supporters 
will focus on blocking amendments, or changes, which 
would send the proposal back to the House for another 
vote. (Signed)

NEB/DS/PT



06-Jul-2000 15:58 PM EDT (06-Jul-2000 1958 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.