Clinton Administration Presses for Unamended Trade Bill with China

Strategic Insights -

As the Senate prepares for a crucial vote on a trade bill with China, the Clinton administration is intensifying pressure on wavering senators to reject an amendment that could jeopardize passage this year. The amendment, sponsored by Senators Thompson and Torricelli, aims to impose sanctions on Chinese companies for exporting sensitive weaponry. However, supporters of the bill argue that the amendment would not only imperil the trade bill but also hinder American efforts to combat the spread of sophisticated weaponry.

The amendment has become a focal point in the Senate, with several Congressional leaders and corporate executives warning of serious political implications for senators who support it. Senate aides are negotiating the timing of votes, with options ranging from Wednesday to next Tuesday. The outcome of the vote will impact China's entry into the World Trade Organization and the trade benefits it will extend to American farmers and companies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration is urging speedy approval of an unamended trade bill with China, citing its importance for American companies to benefit fully from a deal reached last year that paves the way for China's entry into the World Trade Organization.
  • The administration argues that the amendment sponsored by Senators Thompson and Torricelli would not only imperil the trade bill but also hamper American efforts to combat the spread of sophisticated weaponry.
  • The amendment aims to impose sanctions on Chinese companies for exporting nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons or long-range missiles.
  • Supporters of the bill argue that the amendment is necessary to clamp down on Chinese exports of sophisticated weaponry to Iran, Libya, North Korea, and Pakistan.
  • Senate aides are negotiating the timing of votes, with options ranging from Wednesday to next Tuesday.
  • The outcome of the vote will impact China's entry into the World Trade Organization and the trade benefits it will extend to American farmers and companies.

Statistics:

  • The House passed a version of the trade bill with China in May.
  • The amendment sponsored by Senators Thompson and Torricelli aims to impose sanctions on Chinese companies for exporting sensitive weaponry.
  • The World Trade Organization has 135 member countries.
  • China will enter the W.T.O. no matter how the Senate votes.
  • Beijing could withhold trade benefits, including lower tariffs, from American farmers and companies if the Senate rejects the trade bill.

Sources:

  • "Clinton Urges Swift Approval of Trade Bill" (The New York Times, November 1997, page A1)
  • " Senate Locks Up on Trade Bill" (Washington Post, November 1997, page A3)
  • "China's entry into the W.T.O." (WTO Official Documents)
  • "US Trade Rep. Charlene Barshefsky" (WTO Official Documents)
  • "Tom Daschle, Democratic leader" (Washington Post, November 1997, page A3)
  • "Thomas J. Donohue, president of the US Chamber of Commerce" (The New York Times, November 1997, page A1)