DATE=9/5/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-CHINA TRADE(L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266167
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 

INTRO: The U-S Senate has started a final push toward 
a vote on permanent normal trade relations for China. 
While the idea enjoys strong support, its backers 
worry the plan could be derailed by concerns about 
Beijing's weapons proliferation.  V-O-A's David Swan 
reports.  

TEXT: Party leaders expect a vote next week on the 
landmark bill, which would clear the way for China to 
join the World Trade Organization and open the vast 
Chinese market to American merchants.  But first the 
Senate must act on a series of amendments - which the 
measure's supporters hope to defeat.

This is because if the Senate changes the bill that 
was passed earlier by the House (of Representatives), 
the two bodies must work out a compromise, then hold 
another round of votes on the final version.  That 
scenario could put the bill in jeopardy, with the 
November elections fast approaching and organized 
labor strongly opposing P-N-T-R.  Republican Senator 
William Roth, who supports the proposal, vows to fight 
all amendments even if they have merit.

            /// ROTH ACT ///

      Bluntly, a vote to amend is a vote to kill this 
      bill and with it any chance that U-S workers, 
      farmers and businessmen will benefit from 
      China's accession to the W-T-O.
      
            /// END ACT ///

The amendment considered most likely to pass is one 
put forth by Republican Senator Fred Thompson.  It 
would address China's sales of missiles and other 
weapons of mass destruction to countries like 
Pakistan, a charge Beijing denies.  Members of both 
parties are backing the Thompson proposal.  Democratic 
Leader Tom Daschle says he hopes to kill it.

            /// DASCHLE ACT ///

      I think we feel hopeful, maybe confident, that 
      we have the votes necessary to defeat Senator 
      Thompson's amendment.  I think we do but 
      obviously if it fails (and the amendment passes) 
      the situation becomes very, very complicated.
      
            /// END ACT ///

Other amendments seek to protect human rights and 
workers' rights in China.  Foreign Relations Committee 
Chairman Jesse Helms denounced China's arms sales, its 
threats toward Taiwan and what he calls a brazen land 
grab in the Spratley Islands. 

            /// HELMS ACT ///

      The fact is that the United States has had - has 
      had - normal trade relations with Communist 
      China for the past 20 years. Yet Communist 
      China's behavior has not improved one iota 
      (bit).  It has worsened dramatically on every 
      one of these fronts.
      
            /// END ACT ///

Still, most senators appear firmly committed to the 
basic concept of P-N-T-R.  The bill's proponents will 
now try to keep the debate focused on trade and steer 
the measure away from the political minefield of 
amendments. (Signed)

NEB/DS/ENE/KBK    



05-Sep-2000 16:59 PM EDT (05-Sep-2000 2059 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.