    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 19, 2000]
    [Page 984]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on China-European Union Negotiations on China's Accession to
    the World Trade Organization
    May 19, 2000

        I welcome the conclusion of the bilateral negotiations between China
    and the European Union on China's accession to the WTO. This agreement
    highlights the importance of congressional passage of permanent normal
    trade relations with China.
        It is now clearer than ever that China will join the World Trade
    Organization. For America to reap the broad benefits of China's historic
    decision to open its markets and to strengthen the forces of positive
    change in China, Congress must enact PNTR. A vote against PNTR will cost
    America exports and jobs, cede this massive new market to our
    competitors in Europe and Japan, and embolden those resisting reform in
    China.