[WPRT 105-3]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


105th Congress                                                    WMCP:
1st Session                 COMMITTEE PRINT                       105-3
                                                                       
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     


                         SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRADE

                                 OF THE

                      COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                               __________

                                 REPORT

                                   ON

 
 TRADE MISSION TO THE WTO MINISTERIAL MEETING IN SINGAPORE AND TO HONG 
                KONG AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA




                            JANUARY 29, 1997

  Printed for the use of the Committee on Ways and Means by its staff

                              ---------

                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
 38-087 CC                WASHINGTON : 1997



                      COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

                      BILL ARCHER, Texas, Chairman

PHILIP M. CRANE, Illinois            CHARLES B. RANGEL, New York
BILL THOMAS, California              FORTNEY PETE STARK, California
E. CLAY SHAW, Jr., Florida           ROBERT T. MATSUI, California
NANCY L. JOHNSON, Connecticut        BARBARA B. KENNELLY, Connecticut
JIM BUNNING, Kentucky                WILLIAM J. COYNE, Pennsylvania
AMO HOUGHTON, New York               SANDER M. LEVIN, Michigan
WALLY HERGER, California             BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland
JIM McCRERY, Louisiana               JIM McDERMOTT, Washington
DAVE CAMP, Michigan                  GERALD D. KLECZKA, Wisconsin
JIM RAMSTAD, Minnesota               JOHN LEWIS, Georgia
JIM NUSSLE, Iowa                     RICHARD E. NEAL, Massachusetts
SAM JOHNSON, Texas                   MICHAEL R. McNULTY, New York
JENNIFER DUNN, Washington            WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON, Louisiana
MAC COLLINS, Georgia                 JOHN S. TANNER, Tennessee
ROB PORTMAN, Ohio                    XAVIER BECERRA, California
PHILIP S. ENGLISH, Pennsylvania      KAREN L. THURMAN, Florida
JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada
JON CHRISTENSEN, Nebraska
WES WATKINS, Oklahoma
J.D. HAYWORTH, Arizona
JERRY WELLER, Illinois
KENNY HULSHOF, Missouri

                     A.L. Singleton, Chief of Staff

                  Janice Mays, Minority Chief Counsel

                                 ______

                         Subcommittee on Trade

                  PHILIP M. CRANE, Illinois, Chairman

BILL THOMAS, California              ROBERT T. MATSUI, California
E. CLAY SHAW, Jr., Florida           CHARLES B. RANGEL, New York
AMO HOUGHTON, New York               RICHARD E. NEAL, Massachusetts
DAVE CAMP, Michigan                  JIM McDERMOTT, Washington
JIM RAMSTAD, Minnesota               MICHAEL R. McNULTY, New York
JENNIFER DUNN, Washington            WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON, Louisiana
WALLY HERGER, California
JIM NUSSLE, Iowa

                                  (ii)



                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                              ----------                              


                 U.S. House of Representatives,    
                       Committee on Ways and Means,
                                     Subcommittee on Trade,
                                  Washington, DC, January 29, 1997.

Hon. Bill Archer,
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: I am pleased to transmit to you the 
enclosed delegation report on the recent Subcommittee on Trade 
mission to Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. The report contains 
an overview of the mission, summaries of meetings with foreign 
and U.S. officials, and copies of several documents pertinent 
to our mission. The delegation's visit was especially important 
in light of the first Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade 
Organization held in Singapore during our visit, the reversion 
of Hong Kong to Chinese control in 1997, and a variety of trade 
issues with respect to China, including its accession to the 
WTO and its current conditional most-favored-nation status with 
the United States.
    The report describes the bilateral and multilateral 
economic and trade issues which were investigated during the 
trip. As the year proceeds with further consideration of the 
U.S.-China trade relationship as well as issues relating to the 
WTO, I hope that this information will be useful to you.
             With best personal regards,
                                           Philip M. Crane,
                                                          Chairman.
    Enclosure.




                        MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION

                 Members of the House of Representatives

HON. PHILIP M. CRANE, Chairman       HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL
HON. JIM KOLBE                       HON. MICHAEL R. MCNULTY
HON. JENNIFER DUNN                   HON. KAREN L. THURMAN
HON. MAC COLLINS

                          Member of the Senate

HON. CHARLES GRASSLEY

                             Committee Staff

ANGELA PAOLINI ELLARD                JANICE MAYS
MEREDITH BROADBENT                   BRUCE WILSON
KAREN HUMBEL



                             C O N T E N T S

                               __________

                                                                   Page

Letter of Transmittal............................................   III
Members of the Delegation........................................     V
Overview of the Mission..........................................     1
Administration Briefing En Route.................................     2
Hong Kong........................................................     4
Singapore........................................................     6
People's Republic of China.......................................    16
Appendix
  A. Subcommittee press release announcing trade mission, 
    December 5, 1996.............................................    25
  B. Survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 
    entitled, ``1996 AMCHAM Business Confidence Survey''.........    26



                        Overview of the Mission

     From December 5 through 17, 1996, a delegation of the 
Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means 
visited Hong Kong, Singapore, and the People's Republic of 
China to conduct a factfinding mission. The primary purposes of 
the trip were to attend the first Ministerial Meeting of the 
World Trade Organization (WTO), held in Singapore during the 
time of the delegation's visit, to examine the bilateral 
relationship with China and explore issues relating to Chinese 
accession to the WTO, and to meet with Hong Kong Government and 
business officials to discuss the reversion of Hong Kong to 
Chinese control in 1997.
     In Singapore, the delegation had the opportunity to 
discuss WTO issues with delegations from other WTO member 
countries, including Canada, the European Union (EU), 
Singapore, and countries seeking to accede to the WTO, 
including China, Taiwan, and Russia. The Ministerial Meeting 
examined implementation of the WTO Agreements and the progress 
made thus far in their nearly 2 years of operation. In 
addition, the meeting addressed the ``built-in agenda'' already 
set for further negotiation, additional market access 
liberalization in selected areas, the working party report on 
trade and the environment, the extended negotiations in 
services, and potential new issues for further negotiation. 
Most importantly, the meeting's greatest accomplishment was the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA), an agreement which 
would eliminate tariffs in the information technology area. In 
addition, the delegation met with the Prime Minister, Trade 
Minister, and Foreign Minister of Singapore to explore 
bilateral trade matters and issues relating to trade with the 
Newly Industrialized Countries and with the countries in the 
Asia-Pacific region.
     While in Hong Kong, the delegation met with Hong Kong 
Government officials and business representatives to discuss 
the reversion of Hong Kong to Chinese control in July 1997. The 
China leg of the trip provided the delegation an opportunity to 
discuss the Chinese bid for accession to the WTO and the nature 
of the bilateral trade relationship between the United States 
and China including the current conditional most-favored-nation 
(MFN) status.
     See Appendix A for the press release announcing the 
delegation's visit.
Hong Kong
     On December 7, 1996, the delegation received an extensive 
briefing from Consul General Boucher concerning political, 
economic, and trade situation in Hong Kong and the prospects 
for Hong Kong's future after reversion to Chinese control in 
July 1997. The delegation then proceeded to the Consul 
General's residence and met with officials from the Hong Kong 
Government, the Legislative Council, various Hong Kong business 
and political figures, and U.S. business representatives. On 
Sunday, December 8, the delegation met with representatives 
from the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong to explore 
their views on the reversion and how it might affect stability 
and business opportunities in the region.
Singapore
     On December 9, 1996, the delegation traveled to Singapore 
to participate in the first Ministerial Meeting of the WTO. 
While in Singapore, the delegation received briefings from 
Acting U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Charlene Barshefsky and 
other U.S. Government officials. In addition, the delegation 
met with delegations from Canada, Taiwan, the European Union, 
and Russia. The delegation also met with senior officials from 
the Singapore Government, including the Prime Minister, the 
Trade Minister, and the Foreign Minister. During these 
meetings, members of the delegation exchanged views on the 
operation and implementation of the WTO, the negotiation of an 
ITA, the treatment of labor issues and worker rights in the 
WTO, negotiation of the accession of China, Russia, and Taiwan 
to the WTO, market access and trade barriers in the textile, 
agriculture, and paper industries, as well as trade issues in 
the Asia-Pacific region. The delegation also met with 
representatives from the National Association of Manufacturers 
to discuss issues significant to U.S. businesses in the region.
The People's Republic of China
     On December 12, 1996, the delegation traveled to Beijing, 
China. After an extensive briefing by Embassy officials, the 
delegation met with government officials concerning U.S.-China 
trade relations. In particular, the delegation met with Vice 
Premier Zhu Rongji, State Planning Commission Vice Chairman Gan 
Ziyu, and MOFTEC Vice Minister Sun Zhenyu. These meetings 
provided the delegation with an opportunity to exchange views 
concerning Chinese accession to the WTO, the nature of the 
trade relationship between the United States and China in 
general and relating to the current conditional most-favored-
nation treatment in particular, the reversion of Hong Kong to 
Chinese control, and various market access issues. In addition, 
the delegation met with representatives from the American 
Chamber of Commerce in China to obtain the perspective of U.S. 
businesses on these issues.

                    Administration Briefing En Route

Briefing by Ambassador Lang
December 5, 1996
     While en route from Washington, DC, to Asia, Ambassador 
Jeffrey Lang briefed the delegation concerning the WTO 
Singapore Ministerial Meeting. He explained that there were 
four new issues under discussion by the ministers: the 
relationship between labor issues and trade, competition 
policy, investment, and the treatment of bribery and 
corruption. He emphasized that these new issues were being 
discussed apart from the negotiations on reducing tariffs in 
the information technology industry.
     With respect to labor issues, Lang stated that the 
administration has a statutory mandate under the Uruguay Round 
Agreements Act to seek to establish a working party on worker 
rights within the WTO. He concluded, however, that a working 
party would not be established because of opposition by a 
number of U.S. trading partners. Instead, the administration 
was seeking an ongoing process to address labor issues through 
the WTO. Although the issue is controversial, he stated that 
the countries in opposition to addressing the issue, including 
the developing countries, do not see it as a tradeoff for the 
ITA.
     With respect to investment, Lang stated that the 
administration's approach is to obtain a high quality agreement 
through the Organization of Economic Cooperation and 
Development before pursuing the issue within the WTO. The EU, 
however, favors addressing investment within the WTO. The 
likely outcome, Lang stated, is an agreement to discuss the 
issue further.
     As to competition policy, Lang stated that a global 
antitrust agreement would lead to increased market access. 
However, he noted that the Asians want to discuss weakening 
antidumping provisions as part of the discussion, but the EU is 
fundamentally opposed to discussing antidumping modifications. 
Lang emphasized that the United States will not take a position 
on this issue without discussing it with Congress first.
     Finally, Lang stated that he was not sure how far 
negotiations for transparency in government procurement would 
go, but the issue would be raised in the future because it is 
important for U.S. businesses.
     Lang then briefed the delegation on the ITA. He stated 
that a successful outcome of the ITA was important because it 
would demonstrate that the WTO can move forward and would 
provide an important momentum for the ongoing services 
negotiations and the built-in agenda. He noted that the Asians 
now were in basic agreement as a result of the recent APEC 
meeting. He mentioned some of the more difficult issues in the 
negotiations, including the EU opposition to including video 
and audio software and the U.S. sensitivities on capacitors and 
fiber optics. He also mentioned that the dividing line between 
computer monitors and televisions was very controversial.
     Lang then warned the delegation that in its meetings, some 
of the representatives from foreign delegations would likely 
criticize the United States concerning the Helms-Burton 
legislation on Cuba and the Iran-Libya sanctions. He stated 
that the administration has responded to such criticism by 
stating that these are political and not trade issues because 
of the effect on national security. He stated that the 
administration intends to enforce these laws and simply ``will 
not deal with pariah states.''
     The delegation next discussed the importance of having 
fast track rules in place. Lang mentioned that fast track is 
essential for negotiations with Chile specifically and MERCOSUR 
in general, trade relations with sub-Saharan Africa, and built-
in agenda negotiations. In addition, fast track is necessary to 
teach the U.S. trade paradigm to the developing countries. 
Chairman Crane raised his concerns relating to using fast track 
to achieve labor and environmental objectives that are not 
directly related to trade.

                                Hong Kong

Briefing by Hong Kong Consulate General
December 7, 1996
     Consul General Boucher briefed the delegation concerning 
developments in the Hong Kong reversion to Chinese rule in July 
1997. He stated that the new Chief Executive would be selected 
on December 11 and the Provisional Legislature on December 21. 
He stated that the dissolving of the current elected and newly 
reformed Legislative Council (LEGCO) and the establishment of 
the Provisional Legislature in its place was ``unwise and 
unnecessary.'' He said that the goal of the United States 
during the transition was to assure that China keep its 
commitments concerning Hong Kong.
     Scot Marciel then briefed the delegation concerning Hong 
Kong trade issues. Specifically, he mentioned that Hong Kong 
would retain its memberships after the transition in the WTO 
and in APEC. He also noted that Hong Kong was ``working well'' 
on the goal of achieving an ITA at the Singapore Ministerial 
Meeting. He then mentioned some of the trade ``irritants'' 
between the United States and Hong Kong. One such concern 
relates to the transshipment of textiles from China through 
Hong Kong in an effort to avoid quota restrictions. Marciel 
said that the Hong Kong authorities have now decided to ``crack 
down'' on illegal transshipment and that he believes the issue 
can be resolved if such enforcement efforts continue. Another 
sensitive issue between the United States and Hong Kong relates 
to the transshipment through Hong Kong of products that violate 
U.S. intellectual property rights. The United States has urged 
Hong Kong to halt retail sales of pirated materials and to 
improve its already good intellectual property regime.
Dinner Hosted by Hong Kong Consul General
December 6, 1996
     On December 6, 1996, U.S. Consul General Richard Boucher 
hosted a dinner in honor of the delegation with Hong Kong 
business and government officials to discuss the upcoming 
transition to Chinese control on July 1, 1997. In general, 
those in attendance held the view that China will work hard to 
implement successfully the so-called ``one country, two 
systems'' commitment, under which Hong Kong is to have 
substantial autonomy in many areas. There are concerns, 
however, that freedom of speech may be curtailed to some 
extent, and that local government officials in Hong Kong may 
create problems by trying too hard to curry favor with Beijing.
Working Session With American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
December 7, 1996
     On Saturday, December 7, the delegation, joined by Senator 
Frank Murkowski (R-Ala.), met with a group of American business 
representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce of Hong 
Kong, headed by Chamber President Frank Martin.
     This group expressed strong confidence in Hong Kong's 
future, noting that a recent survey had found that some 95 
percent of Chamber members expect the territory to continue to 
be a good or very good place in which to do business after the 
reversion to Chinese control on July 1, 1997. Observing that 
``confidence crisis'' is unwarranted, Frank Martin said that he 
fully expects Hong Kong to remain a bastion of free trade and a 
center for international business and finance.
     Mr. Martin discussed goals for the transition adopted by 
the Chamber, which include: (1) preservation of Hong Kong's 
legal system and the rule of law; (2) continued free flow of 
information; and (3) maintenance of a competent and honest 
civil service. He added that Chamber members regularly raise 
these concerns with Chinese leaders, and had done so as 
recently as the previous week during a visit to Beijing. He 
believes their warm and positive reception during this visit, 
as well as the open discussion of their concerns regarding Hong 
Kong, resulted, at least partly, from the overall improvement 
in the U.S.-Sino relationship since President Clinton met with 
President Jiang Zemin in November.
     Congressman Kolbe asked whether the Chamber was concerned 
that corrupt business practices will seep into Hong Kong from 
China during the transition to Chinese rule. Members of the 
Chamber agreed that this was a valid concern which was being 
addressed by many leaders in Hong Kong. For example, at Hong 
Kong Governor Patton's behest, over 1,500 businesses operating 
in the territory have adopted codes of conduct aimed at 
stemming corruption. The Chamber has established several 
education programs and participates in the Independent 
Commission Against Corruption.
     On behalf of the Chamber, Frank Martin urged the 
delegation to pursue legislation to grant permanent most-
favored-nation tariff treatment to the products of China. The 
Chamber's view is that it is time to do away with the annual 
MFN debate which, he said, harms the relationship between China 
and the United States to the detriment of U.S. business 
interests in the region. Other Chamber members mentioned that 
the greatest force in history for social development is 
economic progress, and that an expanded U.S. business presence 
in China is helping to improve conditions. Two executives noted 
that U.S. investors in China apply international labor and 
environmental standards, and thus raise the standards within 
China.
     Several Members of the delegation, particularly Chairman 
Crane, agreed with this assessment, although they cautioned 
that a majority of Members of Congress probably would not 
support permanent MFN at this time because of continuing 
tensions between China and Taiwan and Hong Kong's pending 
transition to Chinese control.
     Ranking Member Rangel urged members of the Chamber to use 
their relationship with China to pressure the Chinese 
Government to improve human and workers' rights. Chamber 
members, he said, should actively communicate with U.S. workers 
regarding the good that U.S. companies are doing in China. In 
his view, the ``trust us to do the right thing'' argument is 
not effective, and constituents who believe that American 
businesses move jobs overseas to avoid U.S. standards have a 
right to have their concerns taken into account.
     Representing Caterpillar of China, Richard Kahler 
supported continued pressure on the Chinese within the context 
of permanent MFN trade treatment, as well as ongoing 
negotiations for China to join the WTO. His company, he said, 
is significantly disadvantaged in China, where it faces stiff 
international competition as a result of the annual MFN debate. 
Caterpillar also experiences problems with Chinese restrictions 
on foreign investors and encounters numerous limitations 
attached to channels of distribution.
     Finally, the executives discussed what they believe will 
happen during the transition to Chinese rule. They do not 
expect to see arrests of demonstrators or shutdowns of 
newspapers. The Provisional Legislature appointed by China will 
be in place for 1 year until 1998, when a general election will 
be held. Chamber executives do, however, expect some self-
censorship on the part of the press as journalists endeavor to 
avoid offending authorities in Beijing.
     See Appendix B for the 1996 business confidence survey 
prepared by the Chamber.

                                Singapore

Meetings With Ambassador Barshefsky and Other U.S. Government Officials
December 9 and 11, 1996
     The CODEL met with Acting U.S. Trade Representative 
Charlene Barshefsky on two separate occasions in Singapore to 
discuss U.S. strategy and objectives for the WTO Trade 
Ministerial Meeting as well as U.S.-China trade relations. At 
their initial meeting on December 9, 1996, Ambassador 
Barshefsky noted that the U.S. delegation was working around 
the clock with about 30 different countries to secure agreement 
at the Ministerial on an ITA. The ITA would eliminate tariffs 
among participating countries on a broad range of products 
related to the information superhighway, including 
telecommunications equipment, computers, semiconductors, and 
software. Global trade in such products currently runs in 
excess of $600 billion. Agreement on an ITA, if achieved, would 
be the only concrete outcome at Singapore, Barshefsky said. She 
urged the CODEL in its meetings with other countries while in 
Singapore to underscore the importance the United States and 
the U.S. Congress attached to concluding an ITA at the 
Singapore WTO Ministerial.
     At the same meeting, FCC Chairman Rex Hundt asked the 
CODEL also to stress with other countries the need to improve 
their offers in the ongoing WTO negotiation on basic 
telecommunications services, which is to conclude in Geneva on 
February 15, 1997. Hundt described the ITA as covering the 
``cars and trucks'' of modern day communications while the 
basic telecommunications services agreement is designed to 
liberalize the ``road'' on which they travel by permitting 
foreign investment in, and access to, a country's basic 
telecommunications network. Hundt noted that world 
telecommunications services revenues now exceed $550 billion. 
In the United States, telecommunications-related jobs account 
for two out of every three net new jobs created in the past 5 
years. From a U.S. perspective, the objective of a WTO basic 
telecommunications services agreement is to create greater 
competition with foreign monopolies, which are currently being 
underwritten, in effect, by U.S. consumers because of the way 
current international accounting rates operate and a lack of 
competition in their own markets.
     On other Ministerial-related matters, Ambassador 
Barshefsky was pessimistic that progress would be made to 
reduce further tariffs on paper and wood products despite more 
than 2 years of prodding by the United States leading up to the 
Singapore Ministerial. The European Union is opposed to cutting 
tariffs further on paper, and the Japanese are opposed to 
cutting tariffs on wood products. As for seeking agreement to 
form a WTO working party on trade and labor, as mandated by 
section 131 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, Ambassador 
Barshefsky doubted that such a working party would be achieved 
due to strenuous opposition from developing countries, which 
saw it as a protectionist gambit. Consequently, the USTR 
delegation was now seeking a work program of cooperation 
between the WTO and the International Labor Organization (ILO) 
whose purpose would be to demonstrate that labor standards and 
liberalized trade are mutually reinforcing. Such a WTO-ILO 
program of cooperation is necessary, Barshefsky stated, to 
rebuild public confidence in the value of trade agreements and 
the world trading system.
     Rich Romminger, Under Secretary for International Affairs 
at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), advised the 
delegation that the main U.S. agricultural objective for the 
Singapore Ministerial was to ensure that all WTO member 
countries are faithfully implementing their Uruguay Round 
obligations. He expressed particular frustration with the EU 
because the United States is forced to approach individual 
member states to obtain adherence to their Uruguay Round 
obligations on matters such as veterinary equivalence, rice, 
and genetically grown corn and soybeans.
     Ambassador Barshefsky and the CODEL also discussed U.S.-
China trade relations at length in preparation for the CODEL's 
subsequent stop in Beijing. Barshefsky asked the CODEL to 
reinforce President Clinton's recent message to the Chinese on 
nuclear nonproliferation, human rights, North Korea, and WTO 
accession. On WTO accession, the President told President Jiang 
Zemin at the recent APEC meeting in Manila that the United 
States wants China in the WTO, but it must be on commercially 
reasonable terms. China needs to improve her offers on market 
access and compliance with WTO rules and correct bilateral 
trade problems on agriculture and intellectual property in 
order to improve the confidence of Congress and the American 
people in the Chinese ability to enter WTO on equitable terms. 
Unfortunately, both the agricultural and intellectual property 
rights problems with China are worsening. On intellectual 
property rights, although the Chinese have closed 17 of 32 
illicit but identifiable CD-manufacturing plants, the number of 
illicit underground factories has increased to around 60 or 70. 
Barshefsky asked that the delegation encourage the Chinese 
authorities to locate these underground factories and close 
them. If they cannot find them, at a minimum they must stop the 
export of the illicit CDs. Underground CD-producing factories 
are particularly troublesome, she stated, because they can be 
relocated in a mere 10 hours and are run by Chinese, Hong Kong, 
and Taiwanese criminal gangs.
     In the CODEL's second meeting with Ambassador Barshefsky 
on December 11, 1996, she reported that she had struck a basic 
deal on the ITA the previous evening with her EU counterpart, 
Sir Leon Brittan, but that he had not yet gotten final member 
state approval because of resistance from France, Spain, Italy, 
Greece, and the Netherlands. Failure to gain EU Council 
approval for the deal at this juncture, she stated, would make 
it more difficult to bring on the Asian countries by the end of 
the Ministerial conference, but not impossible. She noted that 
the ITA product coverage would exclude optic fiber, fiber 
components, and television tubes, but would include fiber 
cable, digital photocopiers, and capacitors. As for the 
definition of computer monitors to be covered by the ITA, it 
would include a footnote for dealing with the thorny issue of 
HDTV. On agriculture, it now seemed unlikely that the Argentine 
proposal to accelerate preparatory work for the next phase of 
agricultural negotiations, to be started in 1999, would be 
accepted.
     Returning to the matter of the CODEL's upcoming visit to 
Beijing to discuss U.S.-China trade relations, Ambassador 
Barshefsky reiterated the need to stress the need to reverse 
the growing bilateral trade deficit with China by increasing 
access to the Chinese market. Overall 1996 exports from the 
United States to China are flat, and agricultural exports are 
down 37 percent, despite the fact that the Chinese economy grew 
12 percent this year. Ambassador Barshefsky also reported that 
an EU proposal to issue a Quad statement at the Singapore 
Ministerial favoring the notion of some type of ``conditional'' 
Chinese accession to the WTO had been soundly rejected by the 
other Quad countries.
     Ambassador Barshefsky and the CODEL also discussed the 
recent Export-Import Bank rejection of the Three Gorges Dam 
project in China. In response to questions from Chairman Crane, 
she mentioned some of the problems associated with the project, 
including the forced and unplanned relocation of over 1 million 
people, environmental degradation, downstream and upstream 
effects, financial viability, and no guarantee that the project 
would ever be completed. Accordingly, the administration 
recommended that Eximbank not finance the project.
     Finally, regarding the issue of permanent most-favored-
nation trading status for China, Ambassador Barshefsky 
suggested that the CODEL indicate that it would welcome 
permanent MFN for China, but as part of a successful WTO 
accession package.
     Prior to leaving Singapore on the morning of December 18, 
1996, the CODEL was briefed by Deputy USTR Ambassador Jeff Lang 
on the state of the negotiations on the ITA and the Ministerial 
Declaration. Ambassador Lang reported that agreement on an ITA 
was at hand but was being held up over continued disagreements 
in the Ministerial Declaration on trade and labor. He noted 
that agreement has been reached on an ad referendum basis on 
language in the declaration on investment, government 
procurement, and competition policy, as well as on textiles and 
agriculture. However, the United States would not sign off on 
the declaration as a whole until it was satisfied with the 
language on trade and labor.
Meeting With Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry Yeo Cheow Tong
December 10, 1996
     Chairman Crane opened the meeting by congratulating 
Minister Yeo on the Ministerial. He noted that consummating the 
ITA during the Ministerial should be the highest priority of 
the meeting. He also mentioned the basic telecommunications 
services negotiations and market access for paper products as 
being high priorities. In response, Minister Yeo stated that 
Singapore is very supportive of the ITA.
     Ranking Member Rangel stated his concern that all people 
enjoy the benefit of free trade and that a discussion on labor 
rights is important so it is clear that free trade is not 
intended to benefit merely a few. He stated that he supported 
``at least some working force'' to monitor this issue. He said 
that he would appreciate Singapore's leadership in assuring 
that this issue was addressed, saying that to do otherwise 
would be ``a cruel indictment'' of what the WTO stands for. He 
stated that it would help increase support for free trade if 
workers felt that their concerns were being addressed. 
Congresswoman Thurman echoed these views. Congressman Kolbe 
responded by stating that there are differences within Congress 
on this issue and that he favors addressing this issue through 
institutions that already exist instead of through the WTO. 
Minister Yeo stated in response that he hoped the WTO members 
could develop a compromise on this issue. He said that there 
was unanimity that workers' welfare is important and that labor 
issues should not be used as a protectionist tool. He said that 
the language being discussed for insertion in the Ministerial 
Declaration was not as strong as he prefers but that it 
represents a compromise.
     In response to questions from Chairman Crane, Congressman 
Kolbe, and Congresswoman Dunn, Minister Yeo updated the 
delegation on the status of the ITA negotiations, noting that 
there were still some outstanding issues but hoped they would 
be resolved quickly among the four ``Quad'' countries so that 
other countries would have an opportunity to join the 
agreement. He stated unequivocally that ``there will be an ITA 
agreement.''
     Senator Grassley then asked for Singapore's help with 
bilateral disputes on agriculture between the United States and 
the EU, particularly relating to sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures without a scientific basis. Congressman Collins raised 
the issue of market access on paper and wood.
     With respect to basic telecommunications services 
negotiations, Chairman Crane stated his hope that the Singapore 
telecommunications industry be opened further. Minister Yeo 
responded by saying that Singapore has been moving very 
aggressively in the right direction and was awarding 
compensation to its shareholders to shorten the life of the 
telecommunications monopoly.
Meeting With European Parliamentary Delegation
December 10, 1996
     Congressmen Kolbe, Collins, Dunn, and Thurman and Senator 
Grassley met with a group of members of the European 
Parliament. Congressman Kolbe opened the meeting by emphasizing 
the importance of concluding the ITA. He also noted the 
differences within the delegation as to the treatment of worker 
rights within the WTO.
     Willy deClerq of Belgium responded by stating that two 
priorities of the European Parliament relate to labor rights 
and environmental issues. He stated that he was very much 
disappointed in the language being discussed for the 
Declaration because it indicated a lack of willingness to talk 
about worker rights, which in turn has domestic political 
impact. As to investment and competition policy, he noted his 
disappointment that there will be no quick negotiations. He 
stated that the EU is not ``lagging behind'' in the ITA 
negotiations because it wants to open this market immediately. 
The problem, he noted, was in obtaining other signatories. In 
response to a question from Congressman Kolbe, he said that the 
coverage must be as broad as possible.
     Concerning the basic telecommunications services 
negotiations, Carlos Pimenta of Portugal stated that the U.S. 
opening of the satellite market is critical. He supports quick 
telecommunications privatization in Europe, stating that the 
high price of telecommunications services in Europe amounts to 
a ``tax'' on trade. The German Bundestag representatives stated 
that the goal in Germany is to privatize by 1998.
     Senator Grassley next raised agriculture issues, asking 
the Parliamentarians whether they supported beginning 
negotiations on agriculture within the WTO by 1999. DeClerq 
responded by stating that he supports implementation within the 
timeframe set forth in the built-in agenda. Senator Grassley 
then inquired about European practices relating to sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures, asking whether the Europeans were 
``ignoring'' their obligations that such measures have a 
scientific basis with respect to BT corn, hormone-fed cattle, 
and pet food. Pimenta responded by saying that the hormone 
issue was not a political question and that the EU negotiators 
have no instructions to block the negotiations. As to BT corn, 
he said that the consumer is entitled to know whether BT corn 
has been mixed in with BT-free corn. Mr. Kittelmann of Germany 
noted that this issue is highly emotional.
     Congressman Kolbe then raised the Helms-Burton 
legislation, cautioning that if the EU takes the issue to WTO 
dispute settlement, the outcome could be dangerous if the 
United States claims the national security exemption in 
response. Such a move, he added, would lead to an erosion of 
WTO obligations as countries used the national security 
exemption readily. Senator Grassley stated that there was no 
political will in Congress to amend the legislation but that in 
his view the provisions would not be used. Congressman Kolbe 
stated that it would be helpful if Europe would do more to 
assure democracy in Cuba.
     Congressmen Collins and Dunn next asked the 
Parliamentarians for assistance in the acceleration of 
decreased tariff on paper. DeClerq stated that the Parliament 
has no position on the issue because it has not addressed it. 
The delegation shared some written materials on the issue.
     Senator Grassley asked the Parliamentarians for their 
views on China's accession to the WTO, noting his perception 
that Europe wants China to accede more quickly than other 
trading partners. DeClerq stated that he does not support 
Chinese accession ``at any cost'' and that China must fulfill 
certain conditions before entry should be permitted.
     Mr. Pimenta then asked about environmental issues, 
encouraging the United States to support a unified approach on 
these issues and to work with the EU on legislation such as 
turtle excluder devices. Congressman Kolbe responded by stating 
that legislation removing the ``tuna/dolphin'' ban is a very 
high priority for the 105th Congress because current law is 
inconsistent with U.S. international obligations.
     The meeting concluded with an agreement between the two 
delegations to strengthen an interparliamentary relationship 
between the United States and the EU.
Meeting With Canadian Parliamentary Delegation
December 10, 1996
     The CODEL met during the afternoon of December 10, 1996, 
with a Canadian delegation composed of both Canadian 
Parliamentarians and Canadian Government officials. Chairman 
Crane opened the meeting by outlining U.S. objectives for the 
Singapore Trade Ministerial, particularly the ITA, improved 
offers on basic telecommunications services and financial 
services, and reduced tariffs on wood and paper. The members of 
the Canadian delegation responded that their priorities for the 
Ministerial were the ITA, improved offers on financial 
services, and agreed language in the declaration on investment 
and core labor standards. On the issue of China's accession to 
the WTO, Chairman Crane noted that while the United States was 
willing to provide a reasonable transition period for China, 
the time limits for Chinese transition to full adherence to WTO 
standards must be clearly established. The WTO would be a much 
different organization with China as a member. Senator Grassley 
stressed that it is important to win the major battles with 
China before it enters the WTO since it will be a formidable 
agricultural competitor. The Canadian side agreed that the WTO 
should not lower the goalpost for China's WTO admission and 
stated that agriculture is a major priority for Canada in the 
negotiations.
     The meeting also touched on the respective problems the 
United States and Canada were having in their bilateral 
agriculture trade with the EU. Senator Grassley noted, in 
particular, that the EU was blocking U.S. exports of 
genetically engineered corn and soybeans.
     Returning to the draft Singapore Ministerial Declaration, 
the Canadian side asked to what extent the U.S. position on 
labor was being driven by internal U.S. political opposition to 
free trade. Congressman Rangel replied that, if the WTO ignored 
labor standards, it would be more difficult to sell free trade 
to the American public. Instead, he said, trade must be shown 
to benefit all to be politically sustainable. Chairman Crane 
stated that the Republican position was not to link labor and 
environment matters to trade unless they were directly and 
immediately related to trade. General labor issues should be 
dealt with in the ILO. The Canadians said they could accept the 
Director General's draft language on core labor standards but 
not much less. The Canadians asked if the United States was 
still supportive of the North American Free Trade Agreement 
(NAFTA), to which the reply was yes.
     During the course of the meeting, a Canadian 
Parliamentarian noted in an aside that he had recently been to 
Russia. He described the economic situation there as chaotic. 
Three and a half million people are in internal migration due 
to economic dislocation resulting from the economic reforms of 
the country. ``People are sleeping in boxcars,'' is the way he 
sadly summed up the state of affairs.
Meeting With Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong
December 10, 1996
     The delegation met with Prime Minister Goh and discussed a 
broad range of issues including the progress of the WTO 
Ministerial Meeting and China's future role in the region.
Meeting With Mr. Vincent Siew, Leader and Former Economic  Minister,  
        and  the  Parliamentary  Delegation of Chinese Taipei
December 10, 1996
     On behalf of the delegation, Chairman Crane expressed 
strong support for the rapid accession of Taiwan to the World 
Trade Organization, indicating his belief that Taiwan's trade 
regime is very close to being in compliance with WTO 
requirements. He said he was optimistic, in light of improving 
relations between China and the United States evidenced by the 
tone set at the recent meeting between President Clinton and 
President Jiang Zemin, that an expeditious arrangement might be 
found so that Taiwan could join the WTO as a developed country.
     Echoing support for Taiwan's WTO accession, Senator 
Grassley nevertheless cautioned that further progress had to be 
made to reduce barriers to imports of agricultural products 
such as beef, poultry, and pork. Ranking Member Rangel urged 
Taiwan to follow through on its commitment to joint the 
Government Procurement Agreement at the same time that it 
accedes to the WTO.
     Speaking for the Taiwanese people, Mr. Vincent Siew, 
Leader of the Parliament and a former Economic Minister, 
expressed the strong desire of the Taiwanese people to be 
accepted into the WTO as soon as possible. Responding to 
Senator Grassley, Mr. Siew said he did not ``see any problem'' 
in making the necessary agricultural reforms. He thanked 
Congress for passing a resolution in 1992 that pushed the 
administration to actively seek Taiwan's membership in the 
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The resolution, 
he said, succeeded in getting Taiwan's application on the GATT 
agenda, which was a great accomplishment.
     Mr. Siew expressed regret, however, that the negotiating 
process has slowed down. Whether or not there is a political 
linkage, he said, the Taiwanese people believe it is unfair for 
Taiwan's case to be delayed because of USTR's preoccupation 
with China's application. He asked the delegation to urge USTR 
to expedite Taiwan's negotiation so that ``everything is 
ready.'' Taiwan wants to complete the process soon, he 
stressed. ``We have been kept waiting too long.'' Chairman 
Crane observed that now that the U.S. Presidential election has 
passed, the administration will be able focus more on advancing 
Taiwan's application to join the WTO. Mr. Siew observed that 
China can make relations difficult due to the government's 
proclivity to ``shoot at its own foot.'' Jiang Zemin, he said, 
is working gingerly to dismantle the government's control of 
people's lives on the mainland.
Meeting With Russian Delegation
December 10, 1996
     The CODEL met on the afternoon of December 11, 1996, with 
an 11-man Russian delegation attending the Singapore WTO 
Ministerial in an observer capacity. Russia currently is 
negotiating on accession to the WTO. After Chairman Crane 
outlined U.S. objectives for the Ministerial Meeting, the 
Russian delegation described the current economic situation in 
Russia. They noted that Russia is undertaking political and 
economic reforms simultaneously. The recent reelection of 
President Yeltsin reaffirmed popular support for these reforms. 
The main economic reforms are being carried out as part of the 
budget process in Russia. In this regard, Russia hopes to 
reduce its central government deficit from 3.5 percent next 
year to 2 percent by the year 2000. Inflation has been cut from 
100 to 20 percent this year, with the governments aiming at 11 
percent next year and 5 percent by 2000. After years of 
declining production, GNP has begun to grow again--by 2 percent 
this year and 6-8 percent by the year 2000.
     Congressman Rangel asked what the CODEL could do to be 
helpful to Russia to facilitate its transition to a democratic 
country. The Russian side asked for help in obtaining 
additional International Monetary Fund (IMF) financing and 
revising IMF monitoring practices of Russian economic reforms 
from a monthly to a quarterly basis. Congressman Rangel said he 
would try to help and asked the Russians to have the Russian 
Ambassador in Washington contact him when he returned to the 
United States.
     The Russian side asked what could be done to remove Russia 
from the strictures of Jackson-Vanik and be given permanent 
MFN, which would be useful in creating a more stable bilateral 
trade relationship and attracting foreign investment to Russia. 
Congressman Rangel noted that this was a very difficult 
political issue and opined that maybe something could be done 
as the two sides moved closer together, although this would 
take additional time. The Russian side also asked whether 
Russia could be treated as a market economy under U.S. 
antidumping law. They explained that currently, Russia is 
treated as a nonmarket economy, which does not reflect reality 
and leads to higher margins of dumping against Russian imports. 
Congressman Rangel noted that Russia could be administratively 
reclassified as a market economy under the current law if it 
satisfied the legal criteria for a market economy country. 
Russia should take this up directly with the Assistant 
Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration, he stated.
Meeting With Singapore Foreign Minister Jayakumar
December 11, 1996
     Minister Jayakumar welcomed Senator Grassley, Congressman 
Rangel, and Congressman Kolbe, stating the importance of 
legislative contacts to bilateral relationships. He noted that 
Singapore advocates the U.S. involvement in the region, and 
U.S. presence is a major factor in the stability of the region. 
Senator Grassley commended Singapore for its leadership in the 
Ministerial. He and Congressman Kolbe emphasized the importance 
of concluding the ITA at the Ministerial, encouraging Singapore 
to do what it could to assure this outcome. Minister Jayakumar 
stated that the United States and Singapore are in agreement 
over the importance of free trade in general and the ITA 
specifically. He emphasized that Singapore, as the chair of the 
Ministerial, must appear impartial and neutral. However, in its 
role as an individual country, it will proceed with like-minded 
delegations to bring countries to the ITA.
     Ranking Member Rangel stated his concern that all people 
enjoy the benefit of free trade and the importance of labor 
rights in this regard so that trade does not benefit merely a 
few. Congressman Kolbe noted that there are differences within 
the delegation concerning labor rights. He reiterated the 
importance of concluding the ITA during the Ministerial. In 
response, the Minister stated that Singapore would support 
phasing out ITA tariffs within the timetable that the United 
States supports, although there would be no common ASEAN 
position on timetable. Finally, Congressman Kolbe asked the 
Singapore Government to make a strong statement about 
concluding the basic telecommunications services negotiations 
by the deadline next year.
     In response to a question from Ranking Member Rangel 
regarding the U.S.-China relationship, the Minister stated that 
the world must accept that China is a major economic power, but 
that China, in turn, must observe the ``rules of the game.'' 
Specifically, territorial claims to the South China Sea must be 
resolved according to international rules. He noted that the 
United States should engage China but that it cannot contain 
China. Instead, the goal should be to assure stability in the 
region. Senator Grassley and Congressman Kolbe asked whether 
China should be permitted to enter to WTO under special 
circumstances. Mrs. Seet-Chen of the Ministry replied that 
China should not accede to the WTO on its own terms but that it 
must negotiate transitions.
     Senator Grassley then raised the subject of agriculture 
trade, noting that China would be given a tremendous advantage 
if it were permitted a special arrangement in agriculture, 
wiping out all gains in the global regulation of agriculture. 
The Minister said in response that this would have to be 
negotiated.
     Congressman Kolbe then asked about foreign policy issues 
within the region. The Minister described the possible 
flashpoints in the region: (1) Korea; (2) South China Sea; and 
(3) the China-Taiwan relationship. As for Korea, he noted that 
little information is known at this time. He mentioned that it 
may not be in China's best interest to have a unified Korea 
with a nuclear arsenal. However, he further noted that the 
extent to which China has leverage in the area is unclear.
     With respect to the South China Sea, the Minister stated 
that the issue must be managed so that it does not erupt. To 
the extent that the area has important routes, resolution on 
passage and overflow must be obtained. After Congressman Kolbe 
asked whether there could be a valuable U.S. role in the 
region, the Minister stated that the United States can best 
help by fostering an international forum where countries can 
discuss the issue, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum. Ambassador 
Nathan pointed out that China was comfortable with the forum 
because it is ASEAN-driven and not an initiative of the United 
States. He cautioned that now is not the time for the United 
States to be too active.
     Finally, concerning Taiwan, the Minister stated that 
Taiwan must be patient and should give a signal that it is not 
seeking independence. For example, it might reconsider its bid 
to seek United Nations membership.
     In conclusion, Congressman Rangel stated that it is 
difficult to think that China is dwelling on past sensitivities 
when it has so many opportunities before it. Instead, he said, 
we should now move forward. Ambassador Nathan noted the 
importance of tradition and the memory of the past with the 
Chinese people.
Alan Larson, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business 
        Affairs
December 12, 1996
     Prior to departing for Beijing for Singapore, the 
delegation met with Assistant Secretary of State Alan Larson to 
discuss Secretary of State Warren Christopher's recent trip to 
China.
     In meetings with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li 
Peng, Secretary Christopher made the following points: (1) the 
U.S. supports Chinese accession to the WTO and is willing to 
consider appropriate transition periods for some obligations; 
and (2) the recent Chinese standstill commitment (to impose no 
new WTO inconsistent laws or policies) is welcomed by the 
United States as a sign of seriousness with regard to assuming 
WTO obligations.
     Assistant Secretary Larson said that both Chinese leaders 
responded that China is opening its economy, and that both the 
United States and China must make concessions, but that China 
will not agree to measures which undermine her fundamental 
economic interests. China has reduced tariffs from an average 
rate of 35 percent to 23 percent and will reduce tariffs 
further to an average rate of 15 percent upon accession to the 
WTO. These two Chinese leaders told Secretary Christopher that, 
at the top political level, China is prepared to wait to join 
the WTO ``until the time is right.''
     Assistant Secretary Larson views Chinese barriers to 
imports of agricultural products as a serious systemic problem 
which fuels political difficulties in the United States because 
of the importance of agricultural exporters to maintaining the 
free trade coalition in Congress. For example, China fails to 
apply a sound science standard consistent with the WTO's 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement for imports of citrus 
fruit, grapes, beef, Pacific Northwest wheat, and stone fruit. 
China currently imposes a ban on imports of poultry.
     With regard to the protection of intellectual property 
rights, China has taken important strides toward creating an 
effective system, Larsen stated. Progress has been made in 
stemming the piracy of compact disks, especially of sound 
recordings. However, China needs to make additional progress on 
market access for sound recordings, computer software and 
motion pictures, he said. A key problem is the proliferation of 
underground factories in south China which are exporting 
computer software. The administration has urged the Chinese to 
step up efforts to shut down these illegal ventures, many of 
which are run by international organized gangs.
     Textiles is another area in which the administration has 
asked the Chinese to improve enforcement. Within the context of 
negotiations to extend the U.S.-China bilateral textile 
agreement, which will expire December 31, 1996, the two parties 
have exchanged proposals regarding improved market access, 
anticircumvention measures, improved administration of the 
agreement through electronic exchange of export licensing 
information, and measures to verify compliance with rules of 
origin.

                       People's Republic of China

Briefing by U.S. Embassy Officials, Beijing
December 13, 1996
     The CODEL received an extensive briefing by the U.S. 
Embassy economic staff on current developments in the Chinese 
economy and in the Chinese foreign trade regime. Current 
unemployment in China is 10-15 percent by U.S. standards, with 
20 million entering the job market every year. One hundred ten 
million people are employed in state companies, or one-sixth of 
the total workforce. Eighty percent of all employed Chinese 
still work in agriculture.
     Current per capita income is estimated at $650 per year. 
The World Bank recently estimated that 350 million Chinese 
still live below the poverty line. Regional income disparities 
are significant with per capita income in the richest areas 
12\1/2\ times as high as per capita income in the poorest 
areas. China has a high savings rate but many startup companies 
have difficulty obtaining funds locally due to the inefficiency 
of financial intermediaries in China.
     As for foreign trade, 20 percent of Chinese GDP is 
exported ($150 billion out of a $700 billion economy), 
including 30-40 percent of industrial output. Seven percent of 
total Chinese output is exported to the United States. Forty-
one percent of Chinese exports are attributed to foreign 
investors in China. This has led to a burgeoning trade surplus 
with the United States as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and 
Korean companies have moved export operations to China. In this 
regard, China's trade surplus with the United States in 1988 
was $3-4 billion, while that of the Asian tigers was $35 
billion. In 1996, these figures have been reversed.
     The Embassy pointed out that the Chinese argue that their 
trade surplus is due in large part to U.S. export controls and 
trade data discrepancies. For example, there are 13 U.S. 
statutes that impede U.S. exports to China (largely relating to 
Tiananmen sanctions). Moreover, the Chinese would like to 
purchase nuclear power stations from the United States but are 
precluded from doing so.
     The Embassy suggested that the CODEL stress the political 
volatility of the trade deficit and point to Chinese 
restrictions on U.S. imports, such as wheat, cotton, meat, and 
soybeans. These imports are currently restricted on 
questionable sanitary-phytosanitary grounds that are 
inconsistent with WTO standards.
     The Embassy noted that it is extremely difficult for U.S. 
companies to do business in China due to the bureaucracy. 
Nonetheless, a core group of companies--e.g., IBM, Coca-Cola, 
General Electric, John Deere, Proctor & Gamble, Motorola--is 
doing well in China. The Chinese also have a high degree of 
confidence in U.S. insurance and service companies, although 
access to the market is still restricted.
     As for Chinese WTO accession, the Chinese made some 
positive gestures at the last working party meeting in Geneva. 
These included a standstill commitment on new restrictive 
measures and some national treatment commitments. Nonetheless, 
successfully concluding a protocol of accession for China will 
be difficult--partly due to the huge number of nontariff 
measures still in place in China, and partly due to timing. 
Specifically, while the United States is coming out of a 
political election cycle, the Chinese are just entering one, to 
culminate in the selection of a successor to Premier Li Peng in 
October. Moreover, the reversion of Hong Kong to China in July 
1997 will divert the attention of the Chinese leadership from 
matters such as WTO accession in the coming months.
     In a discussion later the same day, the Embassy briefed 
the delegation on the issues expected to arise during meetings 
with Chinese leaders. Embassy officials described the recent 
decision of Eximbank not to finance the Three Gorges dam 
project. The administration's concerns over the project include 
the huge number of people that would have to be relocated most 
likely to already overcrowded cities and the flooding of 
cultural sights. Because Eximbank did not approve the project, 
it will be difficult to obtain private funding.
Meeting With MOFTEC Vice Minister Sun Zhenyu
December 13, 1996
     Vice Minister Sun began by noting that the recent meeting 
between President Jiang Zemin and President Clinton signaled 
improved relations between the two countries. He noted that 
China had sent a delegation to the WTO Ministerial Meeting in 
Singapore and hopes to gain membership in the WTO in the near 
future. China, he said, is determined to achieve this goal as a 
way to demonstrate that it is a responsible member of the 
international community. He believes there will be a cost to 
China if membership is delayed. Although China is prepared to 
fully observe all WTO rules over a period of time, the United 
States should appreciate that this represents an arduous task 
for China.
     Many factories in China operate inefficiently and will not 
be able to meet the tough competition of additional imports. 
Chinese leaders are worried that the stability of Chinese 
society will be threatened because China does not have fully 
functioning social security programs to protect the poor. In 
this vein, China has made difficult political decisions in 
order to pursue WTO membership. These difficult decisions 
indicate China's resolve to continue the process of reforming 
of its economic system.
     Vice Minister Sun welcomed U.S. support for China's early 
accession to the WTO. Chairman Crane cautioned that WTO 
membership for China has its detractors as well as proponents 
in the United States and that it will take time to achieve a 
bipartisan consensus in support of this effort. He observed 
that joining the WTO will result in significant economic 
benefits for the Chinese people because of the economic 
liberalization required by the WTO.
     Observing that the rest of the world hopes that the United 
States and China will resolve their differences for the sake of 
peace as well as prosperity, Ranking Member Rangel acknowledged 
that there are people in both countries who believe they will 
be adversely affected by increased trade. For example, it is 
difficult to explain to U.S. workers why China needs special 
protections when she is exporting so much more to the United 
States than U.S. companies export to China. U.S. workers fail 
to understand why U.S. wheat and citrus are denied entry to 
China on phytosanitary grounds, and why industries producing 
movies, computer software and sound recordings are facing trade 
barriers in China. A political reality for elected officials in 
the United States, said Congressman Rangel, is that it does not 
appear to U.S. workers that their products are being treated 
fairly in the Chinese market.
     With respect to the size of the trade deficit that the 
United States has with China, Minister Sun noted that there is 
a large discrepancy between U.S. statistics ($34 billion) and 
Chinese statistics ($8.6 billion.) In China's view, much of the 
disparity can be accounted for by the fact that a large 
percentage of China's exports (about 56 percent) to the United 
States are managed by in-bond processing companies which supply 
raw materials to China and ship final products through Hong 
Kong and other countries. Many of these companies are U.S. 
owned and have very large markup ratios. Under the U.S. 
accounting system, the entire value of these goods produced by 
companies such as Mattel and Nike are counted as China's 
exports to the United States.
     Minister Sun maintained that several U.S. policies 
contribute directly to the size of the bilateral trade deficit: 
(1) lack of Eximbank financing for the $10 billion Three Gorges 
Dam project; (2) prohibitions against U.S. companies 
participating in nuclear cooperation projects and; (3) 
restrictions on U.S. companies supplying technology for the 
installation of a weather computer. He said that China enjoys a 
comparative advantage in products such as toys and consumer 
electronics, which are supplied to U.S. consumers at attractive 
prices. The U.S advantage lies in the production of high-tech 
products, the sales of which are often limited by U.S. policies 
restricting exports.
     With respect to restrictions on U.S. wheat exports to 
China, Minister Sun explained that China cannot import from TCK 
infested areas because contamination of China's wheat 
production with TCK smut spores would be disastrous for China 
as it often faces life-threatening food shortages. He views 
this as a scientific issue affecting national sovereignty 
rather than strictly a trade issue. On the subject of 
protection of intellectual property, he reviewed China's 
enforcement efforts, including the detention of $10 million of 
pirated goods.
     Minister Sun complained that the annual debate over 
China's MFN status puts the U.S.-China trade relationship in an 
uncertain atmosphere, leading people to think that MFN might be 
revoked. He applauded passage by the U.S. Senate of legislation 
to change the terminology of MFN to Standard Trade Relations, 
or STR.
     Senator Grassley thanked China for being a growing 
purchaser of U.S. products. He believes that the world's future 
depends on economic giants such as the United States, the 
European Union, and China resolving their differences. Saying 
that trade is a two-way street, he emphasized that the United 
States needs income from selling goods to China in order to buy 
Chinese products. Tremendous trade deficits with one country 
are usually indicative of underlying structural problems, he 
said, and are inherently unsustainable as a political matter.
     Senator Grassley went on to urge Minister Sun to consider 
the importance of U.S. agricultural imports to food security 
for the Chinese people. With the continued occurrence of 
droughts, China cannot depend on being self-sufficient in food 
production and thus needs U.S. supplies. He asked Vice Minister 
Sun to take another look at establishing more practical 
standards for imports of U.S. wheat, recognizing that it is 
impossible for U.S. exporters to certify zero levels of TCK 
spores. The Senator underscored the achievement of the WTO 
Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, which 
established common principles for setting standards ``that gets 
politicians and bureaucrats out of making these decisions.''
     Congresswoman Dunn raised the subject of increasing 
aircraft sales to China, an issue important to her district, 
which is home to many employees of Boeing Corp. Congresswoman 
Thurman spoke in favor of opening the Chinese market to exports 
of U.S. citrus products through approval of U.S. inspection 
facilities, an issue which is currently under discussion.
     Speaking as a member of the delegation who voted against 
extending MFN to China, Congressman Collins pointed to the 
bilateral trade deficit. He emphasized that his constituents 
see Chinese products filling U.S. shops, replacing products 
which used to be made by textile mills in Georgia which no 
longer exist. Until China buys more products from U.S. workers 
and firms, he stated firmly that he will not change his mind 
about MFN.
Meeting With American Chamber of Commerce, Beijing
December 13, 1996
     The CODEL held a luncheon meeting with the American 
Chamber of Commerce of Beijing (ACCB) on December 13, 1996. Jim 
McGregor of Dow Jones, who is currently President of the ACCB, 
led off the discussion by noting that the U.S.-China 
relationship has historically had its ups and downs and is now 
in an upward phase. There are now 520 million Chinese who are 
24 years old or younger; all they have known is the constant 
economic reform that has characterized China in recent years. 
While the Chinese people are generally predisposed in favor of 
the United States, they resent the volley of criticism they 
receive from the Congress during the annual MFN renewal 
debates. China receives $120 million per day in new foreign 
direct investment and is changing for the better every day 
through peaceful evolution. Mr. McGregor asked for patience and 
foresight from Members of Congress in dealing with China. 
Regarding WTO accession, the business community supports such 
accession by China on commercially viable terms. By that, they 
mean the ability of foreign businesses in China to do business 
on a national treatment basis. Negotiations on Chinese WTO 
accession would be difficult, however, in part because Chinese 
state industry still employs 110 million people and accounts 
for 45 percent of output.
     Chairman Crane, Ranking Democrat Rangel, and Senator 
Grassley all made initial remarks to the gathering, describing 
the purpose of the CODEL and reporting on the CODEL's meetings 
in Singapore. They all stressed the bipartisan nature of U.S. 
trade policy and the fact that trade contributes to world 
peace. Congressman Rangel noted that, while the annual MFN 
debate is not appreciated by the Chinese, it does provide a 
regular opportunity for the U.S. Congress to debate U.S.-China 
relations before the public. In response, Jim McGregor again 
suggested that the annual MFN debate is counterproductive 
because the Chinese people do not like to be criticized 
unfairly. A better Congressional debate, he said, would be over 
how to achieve democracy in China. The annual MFN debate also 
erodes the U.S. business position in China by hurting sales. At 
the same time, he acknowledged that, regardless of the MFN 
debate, doing business with the Chinese can be frustrating. 
Specifically, foreign companies are required to follow a higher 
standard than Chinese companies. Morever, China is basically a 
mercantilist nation when it comes to trade--``they export like 
capitalists and import like communists.'' Mr. McGregor pointed 
out that, while the Chinese are great negotiators, the United 
States buys one-third of their exports. Consequently, U.S. 
trade negotiators should insist that China provide reciprocal 
market access.
     Jaime Horsley of Motorola commented on the ACC-Beijing 
position on Chinese WTO accession. She emphasized that China 
should be allowed into the WTO, but only on commercially viable 
terms. As a major trading nation, China should act like a 
developed country in the WTO and fully assume WTO obligations 
on MFN, national treatment, transparency, and trading rights.
     A representative of Cigna Insurance described financial 
services as essentially off limits to foreigners in China, 
primarily because the Chinese Government fears the Chinese 
financial system will be overwhelmed by foreign competition if 
foreign companies are allowed into the market. The challenge is 
to persuade the Chinese that opening up the domestic market to 
foreign participation is a win-win situation and that profits 
made by foreign companies will not all be repatriated.
     A Westinghouse representative said that China is a country 
of opportunity, particularly for electric power projects. These 
projects take 2-3 years for U.S. companies to put together with 
the Chinese and require U.S. Government and Export-Import Bank 
assistance to succeed. He lamented, however, that MFN 
uncertainties continue to make all his potential deals with 
China problematic. John McAlister concluded by urging the CODEL 
to work on their colleagues in Congress on funding for a new 
U.S. Embassy complex in Beijing. He said that the current 
facilities are a disgrace, disrespectful of the Chinese, and 
symbolic of a declining power. They are major impediments to 
U.S. companies doing business successfully in China. These 
remarks were widely applauded by the U.S. businessmen at the 
luncheon.
Meeting With State Planning Commission Vice Chairman Gan Ziyu
December 13, 1996
     Chairman Crane opened the meeting by noting that he was 
interested in the progress that China has made toward economic 
reform. He stated that obtaining permanent MFN status this year 
is not realistic because of the timing of Hong Kong's reversion 
to Chinese control. However, he emphasized that he looks 
forward to Chinese accession to the WTO in a commercially 
viable manner, with all compliance standards and transition 
periods spelled out in advance.
     Vice Chairman Gan began by describing the State Planning 
Commission (SPC) as a coordinating body under the State 
Council. He discussed its functions as formulating short- and 
long-term plans, replete with strategic targets, coordinating 
with other ministries regarding how to best achieve 
macroeconomic objectives within a market economy, and 
identifying and putting in motion major projects, including 
those involving joint ventures with foreign investors.
     In describing China's economic development, Gan said there 
have been major successes as well as failures since the 
founding of the PRC 40 years ago. In the 1950s, per capita GDP 
was less than $50 a year. While still very low today, a joint 
World Bank-Chinese study in 1985 found that GDP per capita had 
risen to about $250. In the 17 years since China began its 
economic reforms, GDP has risen steadily, as a result of annual 
GDP growth which has averaged 10 percent annually. Moreover, 
the number of people at or below the poverty line dropped from 
120 million in the 1980s to 65 million 1996, with the majority 
located in rural areas. Gan acknowledged that the figure may 
well be higher than that, citing the recent World Bank study 
which put those Chinese in poverty at 400 million.
     Raising 65 million people out of poverty and improving 
productivity are the objectives of the ninth 5-year plan. By 
the year 2000, GDP per capita is supposed to be four times what 
it was in 1980 (i.e., over $1000), and GDP itself is supposed 
to be four times the amount of 1980. This will require annual 
GDP growth rates of 8 or 9 percent per year. Vice Chairman Gan 
forecast annual growth rates of 7 percent for the decade 
beginning in the year 2000.
     Another objective of the new 5-year plan is to make the 
economic system market driven by the year 2010. At present, Gan 
maintained, market forces govern 85 percent of agriculture 
output, 95 percent of consumption goods, and 90 percent of 
capital goods. In addition, the SPC is carrying out tax, 
banking, currency and foreign investment reforms. Economic 
reforms, Gan noted, need to take place in a stable economic 
environment that remains attractive to foreign investment and 
supports continued repayment of loans from international 
financial institutions, which now exceed $150 billion.
     With regard to China's performance in international trade, 
Gan estimated that China's total trade volume (exports and 
imports) would be $290 billion this year, with a trade surplus 
of about $16 billion. He forecast that total trade volume would 
be close to $400 billion by the year 2000. Bilateral trade with 
the United States is fourteen times what it was in 1979, the 
year diplomatic relations were normalized.
     As for the WTO, Gan said that China and the WTO ``were on 
a convergence course'' and cited as evidence China's recent 
reduction of 4,900 tariff line items, the cancellation of 
certain regulations and taxes for imported commodities, and the 
establishment of more transparent trade rules. Gan said that, 
as a developing country, China should not be asked to meet the 
``high demands'' of other countries. Its economic system is 
still in transition, and it cannot step up the timetable for 
the sectoral changes that have to be made. Nor would such 
unacceptably high standards be beneficial to trade and 
investment relations, as they could result in destabilization 
of Chinese society. Gan said his goal is to make the capital 
account and the current account fully convertible after the 
year 2000, but to do this any sooner could potentially lead to 
economic chaos.
     Following Gan's presentation, Senator Grassley noted that 
it was far easier for China to trade with the United States 
than with any other country in the world, and yet China does 
not seem very open to U.S. products. To strengthen the overall 
relationship, Senator Grassley suggested that China open its 
market to U.S. products.
     Gan repeated the argument made by Vice Minister Sun that 
the size of the bilateral trade deficit is overstated by U.S. 
figures. He said that a large number of Chinese exports to the 
United States go through Hong Kong, and that these were beyond 
China's control. For example, if China imports raw materials 
valued at $50 billion and exports products worth $55 billion to 
the United States, the Chinese realize only $5 billion in 
processing. He noted that many U.S. companies manufacture 
products in China, the prices of which are marked up 
significantly when they are sold in the United States.
Meeting With Vice Premier Zhu Rongji, Member Standing Committee, 
        Politburo and Vice Premier
December 13, 1996
     The delegation's last meeting in China was with Zhu 
Rongji, Member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Vice 
Premier in charge of the economy.
     Discussing the bilateral trade deficit, Zhu recited the 
familiar argument that the size of the deficit was not nearly 
as large as U.S. figures suggest. Hong Kong transhipments are 
charged to China regardless of where these goods originate, he 
said. He estimated that 60 percent of total exports from China 
come from U.S., Japanese, European and Taiwanese firms that 
have invested in China. They import raw materials and process 
them in China. But these enterprises have their own strategies 
and China cannot control them. All China gains from them is 
minimal employment opportunities, generally offering low wages. 
Zhu emphasized that the way to improve the bilateral deficit is 
for China to import more from the United States, and China is 
committed to doing just that, he said.
     On the subject of wheat imports, Zhu noted that China was 
very concerned about the introduction of TCK smut spores--which 
he said had been found in shipments from the United States into 
Chinese wheat growing regions. To deal with the problem, China 
has proposed that Chinese agriculture inspectors go to the 
United States to preinspect wheat to be exported to China. The 
proposal is still under discussion, and China, he said, will 
import U.S. wheat as soon as these quarantine issues are 
settled through negotiations.
     In response to an inquiry by Congresswoman Thurman 
regarding the prospects for selling U.S. citrus products in 
China, Zhu said that quarantine concerns need to be discussed 
here too, but that he was ``confident of an eventual settlement 
of outstanding problems.''
     Chairman Crane made the point that the United States takes 
a much larger percentage of China's exports than does any of 
China's other trading partners, including Japan and Europe. He 
urged Zhu to focus on expanding opportunities for U.S. 
exporters by increasing market access and eliminating trade 
barriers. In response, Zhu said there has been a rapid increase 
in Sino-U.S. trade, with Chinese companies favoring American 
products over Japanese, since U.S. firms generally share more 
attractive technology.
     Congressman Collins next discussed the importance of 
successfully concluding negotiations to renew the bilateral 
textile agreement, which expires on December 31, 1996. He 
called on China to address the textile transshipment problem 
and to provide U.S. textile producers greater access to the 
Chinese market. The Vice Premier reaffirmed China's intention 
buy more from the United States, saying that he saw ``no big 
problem'' with achieving market access in China for U.S. 
textile products. Higher value U.S. products should find an 
increased market in China, given the growing purchasing power 
of reasonably well-off Chinese. In the past, Zhu said, China 
was constrained with regard to the amount of textiles that 
could be imported. However, now that foreign exchange reserves 
have risen to $102 billion, China could generally increase its 
imports of most general consumption goods.
     The issue of China's WTO accession, Zhu said, has been 
discussed for such a long period of time that his once black 
hair has now turned grey and the organization is now no longer 
called GATT. ``There is a ray of light'' now, however, he said, 
because ``there are increasing pieces of news coming from the 
United States, that Americans are more willing than before to 
negotiate.'' China hopes this issue, which depends chiefly on 
the American attitude, will be settled quickly.
     Zhu believes the key matters to be resolved are the 
obligations that China will agree to shoulder and the 
transition periods that will be permitted for China. China 
simply cannot take on all the responsibilities of a developed 
country, maintained Zhu, pointing to the fact that Sir Leon 
Brittan of the EU had discussed this with MOFTEC Minister Wu Yi 
during his visit last month, and had agreed with her on the 
importance of transition periods and phase-ins of obligations.
     In response, Chairman Crane recognized that the question 
was one of transitions before China assumes all WTO 
obligations. As one of the biggest economic powers on the face 
of the earth, he said, China will have to agree to specific 
deadlines. Congressman Collins emphasized that it is time for 
China to put these transitions periods down in detail. ``Let us 
know what you want and what you need to become a full partner 
in the international trading system,'' he urged. Avoid 
speculative discussion, he said, and focus on the plan and 
timetable that is needed to get China in the WTO.
     Zhu took the view that the timing on some economic reforms 
is still unpredictable. One timetable was for China to cut its 
tariffs to an average rate of 15 percent by the year 2000, a 
figure that it had agreed to at the APEC meeting in Osaka in 
1995. This would be in line with the average tariff rate in the 
developing world. Zhu stated that it was hard to predict when 
China could reduce tariffs below 15 percent, though his 
personal opinion was that this might be possible ``within the 
20th century.'' Later in the meeting he clarified that he did 
not mean to suggest that all tariffs across the board would be 
reduced to 15 percent or below. He cited the auto sector as one 
sector which would likely retain higher tariff levels. Finally, 
he noted that it was likely that General Motors would be a 
major player in the auto sector once its Shanghai joint venture 
started production, so, in this regard the United States should 
consider China to be an open market for American automobiles.

                              APPENDIX A 



                              APPENDIX B