COLLEEN MCEDWARDS, WORLD NEWS: United States president Bill Clinton is calling on U.S. lawmakers to grant normal trade relation status to China. Mr. Clinton has submitted legislation on the trade issue to the U.S. Congress. If it is approved, it would allow low- tariff access to U.S. markets. In exchange, China would agree to open its borders to broader international trade. But some lawmakers question the measure. They say China's unsteady relations with Taiwan as well as lingering espionage allegations are reasons not to approve the legislation. Still, Mr. Clinton says that he will do his best to push forward.</s>BILL CLINTON, U.S. PRESIDENT: If you believe in a future of greater openness and freedom for the people of China, you ought to be for this agreement. If you believe in the future of better prosperity for the American people, you certainly should be for this agreement. If you believe in a future of peace and security for Asia and the world, you should be for this agreement. This is the right thing to do. It's an historic opportunity and a profound American responsibility.</s>MCEDWARDS: The approval of this legislation is widely viewed as a necessary first step if China is to join the World Trade Organization. END TO ORDER VIDEOTAPES AND TRANSCRIPTS OF CNN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE THE SECURE ONLINE ORDER FROM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
U.S. Trade Relations With China