Doubts, Enthusiasm Resurface After China PNTR Signing

Compiled ByJohn S. McClenahen In the wake of the Oct. 10 White House ceremony, during which President Clinton signed legislation granting China permanent normal trading relations (PNTR) status, there again are questions whether China will live up to terms of the trade deal it signed with the U.S. nearly a year ago. Indeed, U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky is in Beijing, apparently informing Chinese leaders of the risks -- including not gaining membership in the World Trade Organization -- of backing away from agreed-upon trade terms. Meanwhile, William T. Archey, president and CEO of the Santa Clara, Calif.-based American Electronics Assn., is urging that "the same cooperative spirit shown by Congress and the President on PNTR be carried over to all other pressing international trade matters next year and beyond." The stakes for the electronics industry and the rest of the U.S. economy are high, he says. "In no small measure, the high-tech industry has opened doors of economic opportunity for millions of Americans at home precisely because of the opening of markets abroad."