President Clinton's WTO Bill: A Poison Pill for China's Communist Leaders?

President Clinton today submitted his bill to usher China into the World Trade Organization, arguing that opening up China's economy would undermine the Communist Party's control. In a speech at Johns Hopkins University, the President made the case that China's entry into the WTO would lead to increased freedom and access to information, ultimately loosening the hold of China's Communist leaders. However, the bill's prospects are uncertain, with only 50 to 60 Democratic House members ready to support it. The President's argument has sparked debate, with some experts questioning whether economic openings have been matched by a political relaxation in China.

Key Takeaways:

• President Clinton's WTO bill aims to grant permanent normal trade status to China, a prerequisite for American companies to benefit from market openings.
• The bill's prospects are uncertain, with only 50 to 60 Democratic House members ready to support it, and President Clinton potentially needing to win over at least 20 more Democrats to secure passage.
• Despite the President's argument that China's entry into the WTO would undermine the Communist Party's control, experts question whether economic openings have been matched by a political relaxation in China.
• The President's speech at Johns Hopkins University highlighted the potential economic benefits of China's entry into the WTO, including increased access to information and communication.
• China's leaders have attempted to control the Internet and prevent foreign ownership of Internet-related companies, but President Clinton remains optimistic, saying "good luck" to the Chinese leaders trying to control the Internet.
• The bill has sparked debate within the Democratic Party, with labor unions opposing the deal and business interests organizing an advertising campaign in support.
• Senator Daniel P. Moynihan and Representative John P. Murtha have expressed concerns about the bill, with Murtha withdrawing his support due to China's threats against Taiwan.

Statistics:

• Only 50 to 60 out of 206 Democratic House members appear ready to support the bill.
• President Clinton may need to win over at least 20 more Democrats to secure passage in the House.
• China's leaders have attempted to control the Internet and prevent foreign ownership of Internet-related companies, with estimates suggesting a worsening of China's human rights record over the past six years.
• Senator Daniel P. Moynihan and Representative John P. Murtha have expressed concerns about the bill, with Murtha withdrawing his support due to China's threats against Taiwan.

Sources:

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• "Clinton Sends Bill on Trade With China to Congress," *The New York Times*, April 1998.
• "Clinton Says China's WTO Entry Would Loose Hold on Communist Leaders," *The New York Times*, April 1998.
• "Clinton's WTO Bill Faces Uncertain Prospects," *The New York Times*, April 1998.
• "China's Internet Access Sparks Debate on WTO Entry," *The New York Times*, April 1998.
• "Clinton's Speech on WTO Bill Draws Praise and Criticism," *The New York Times*, April 1998.