DATE=9/8/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA TRADE-WEAPONS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266286
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 


            /// EDS: Should hold through weekend but 
watch CN-wire for updates or new developments; Senate 
reconvenes noon Monday ///


INTRO:  The U-S Senate appears headed for a showdown 
on normalizing trade with China, and whether that 
country should also face sanctions for peddling 
weapons of mass destruction.  V-O-A's David Swan 
explains.


TEXT:  Monday the Senate resumes debate on the bill 
granting permanent normal trade relations [P-N-T-R] to 
China.  But the body is also scheduled to take up an 
amendment that the trade bill's supporters fear could 
kill the landmark proposal.

The legislation, sponsored by Republican Fred 
Thompson, is designed to penalize Beijing for selling 
missiles and other weapons to countries like Pakistan.  
The majority leader, (Republican) Senator Trent Lott, 
is among those voicing support for the proposal.

            /// Lott Act ///

      Chinese nuclear weapon proliferation is 
      something that we have to be concerned about and 
      I'm convinced it continues `til this day.  We 
      need a way to monitor it and there should be a 
      way to impose sanctions if that continues.  So 
      that issue will come up on this bill.

            /// End Act ///

This is the scenario that backers of normal trade had 
hoped to avoid.  If the Thompson amendment passes, the 
larger bill goes back to the House of Representatives, 
which may not have the time or the will to deal with 
it again.  Democratic leader Tom Daschle warns any 
change in the trade package would likely be fatal.

            /// Daschle Act ///

      If this (bill) changes, then I think the 
      prospect of P-N-T-R is over for this year.  So 
      that to me is the essence of the strategy: do we 
      change it or not?  If we change it, it's 
      probably over for the year; if we don't change 
      it, it probably goes to the president (to be 
      signed into law).

            /// End Act ///

Though the Senate has so far turned back all other 
amendments, any vote on the Thompson measure is 
expected to be very close.  Senate leaders have tried 
unsuccessfully to separate the weapons proliferation 
measure from the trade bill.

A grant of permanent normal trade status would help 
China into the World Trade Organization and open the 
huge Chinese market to American corporations.   
(Signed)

NEB/DS/JP




08-Sep-2000 17:01 PM LOC (08-Sep-2000 2101 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.