January 2000 PulseOnline: Headline News: Landmark China WTO Package Reached (Page 2 of 6)

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Next Step
Many more countries must now conclude their bilateral negotiations with China. In early December, China's lead WTO negotiator, Long Yongtu, stated that he hoped to have these negotiations fully completed by the end of February 2000. Once that process is finalized, the WTO Working Party on China must meet in Geneva, Switzerland, to continue negotiations on the protocol part of China's package - the part of any WTO applicant's package covering (in general) rules of WTO membership.

For the United States to enjoy all the benefits of the negotiated package, the U.S. Congress must grant China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status (Normal Trade Relations status was formerly known as Most Favored Nation (MFN) status). This will require an extensive lobbying effort on Capitol Hill by U.S. industry. Currently, TIA is mobilizing with industry to make these great efforts, and expects to see a positive outcome when the vote eventually takes place, likely some time in mid-2000.

In addition to the work that TIA will do to ensure China's PNTR status, it is imperative that members of Congress hear from their constituents around the country. Based on the unprecedented protests of China's entry into the WTO that took place in Seattle at the beginning of December, there are many organizations that will be pushing hard against Congress' support of the package and the WTO in general. For example, the labor movement - still glowing from its proclaimed victory in Seattle - has already vowed to use its powerful grass-roots network to derail support in both the House and the Senate for PNTR status for China.

U.S. Telecom Equipment Exports to and Imports from China (1999)

U.S. Telecom Equipment Exports to and Imports from China (1999)

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