Gingrich Urges Clinton to Postpone China Trip Over Missile Row

House Speaker Newt Gingrich's call to postpone President Clinton's trip to China stems from concerns over the handling of sensitive missile information. Republicans are seizing on allegations of foreign money funneling to the Democratic Party and potential technology transfers. A special committee may be established to investigate these claims, but its formation faces opposition from House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt. The issue is tied to a Justice Department investigation into whether US companies inadvertently helped China improve its ballistic missile capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Gingrich demands President Clinton postpone his trip to China until the Justice Department completes its investigation into missile information sharing.
• The investigation focuses on whether US companies, Loral Space and Communications Ltd. and Hughes Electronics, provided China with sensitive information about a 1996 rocket accident.
• A special committee, possibly consisting of 5 Republicans and 3 Democrats, may be established to examine the administration's actions in granting satellite exports to China.
• Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott suggests that the technology transfer indirectly helped Pakistan, fueling the latest Asian arms race.
• Deputy Defense Secretary John Hamre cited a pending Justice Department investigation as the reason for withholding documents related to Clinton's decision.
• House committees are struggling to obtain documents due to barriers erected by the Justice Department.

Statistics:

• 2 US companies, Loral Space and Communications Ltd. and Hughes Electronics, are being investigated for potentially sharing sensitive missile information with China in 1996.
• A classified Pentagon report is the basis for the Justice Department's investigation into the companies' actions.
• The investigation focuses on a potential technology transfer that could help China improve its ballistic missile arsenal.
• $1 billion is the estimated value of satellite technology exported to China, which is now at the center of a controversy over foreign influence in US politics.
• June is the planned visit month for President Clinton's trip to China, which may be postponned due to the allegations.

Sources:

• "House Republicans Seek to Delay Clinton's China Trip" by John Diamond, The Associated Press, Washington, April 12, 1999.