DATE=7/27/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264865
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=



INTRO:  The U-S Senate has signaled its strong support 
for permanent normal trade relations with China, 
setting the plan on course for likely approval in 
September.  V-O-A's David Swan has details.


TEXT:  After haggling for weeks about the timing and 
terms of debate, senators put the process in motion 
just before leaving for a month-long recess.  But 
though the decisive vote must wait a while longer, the 
plan is expected to pass by a comfortable margin once 
that vote comes.

The trade bill overwhelmingly (86 to 12) cleared a 
procedural roadblock (Thursday).  Afterward, its 
supporters and opponents gave a brief preview of the 
long debate they will hold when the Senate reconvenes 
in early September.  Republican Senator William Roth 
argues it helps Americans for China to join the World 
Trade Organization and open its market.

            // Roth act //

      What this vote is about is whether American 
      farmers, American business, American workers, 
      real working men and women back home in each of 
      our states will receive the benefits of an 
      agreement that three presidents from both 
      parties have pursued with incredible dedication 
      for 13 years.


            // end act //

Others served notice they will fight the measure and 
try to attach amendments that reflect their concerns.  
Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms says 
he will not let the Senate ignore key issues.  

            // Helms act //

      China's pitiful human rights record, China's 
      brutal suppression of religious freedom, China's 
      increasingly belligerent stance toward the 
      democratic Chinese government on Taiwan and 
      China's unbroken record of violating agreements 
      one after another on other matters.  You can't 
      trust them.


            // end act //

The Senate must also deal with a separate bill that 
would punish Beijing for spreading weapons of mass 
destruction to places like Pakistan and Iran. (Signed)

NEB/DS/PT  


 



27-Jul-2000 17:32 PM EDT (27-Jul-2000 2132 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.