DATE=11/16/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TAIWAN/W-T-O (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256211
BYLINE=DERRICK MCEHLERON
DATELINE=TAIPEI
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


INTRO: Taiwan has welcomed China's trade agreement 
with the United States - clearing the way for 
Beijing's entry into the World Trade Organization.  
And as Derrick McElheron in Taipei reports, Taiwan 
officials say they hope the deal will speed up 
Taiwan's own bid to join the world body. 

TEXT: Taiwan trade officials say the deal signed by 
the United States and China should remove the last 
barrier that has blocked the island's W-T-O bid. 

Economics Minister Wang-Chih-kang is asking the United 
States to honor its pledge to consider a country's W-
T-O application, based on an applicant's trade 
concessions and not by politics.

Beijing has insisted Taiwan's entry be put on hold 
until China is admitted.

Mr. Wang says delaying Taiwan's W-T-O admission until 
China has joined is unfair.

The Economics Minister's comments reflect the view of 
many Taipei politicians.  They say they are frustrated 
with political pressure from Beijing, which has 
isolated the island politically and consistently 
blocked its efforts to join the W-T-O.

Taipei has already completed bilateral trade talks 
with all W-T-O members and has signed agreements with 
the United States and the European Union.

NEB/DM/FC/JO



16-Nov-1999 04:47 AM EDT (16-Nov-1999 0947 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.