China seeks permanent MFN status

BEIJING, JUNE 4: China today hailed US President Bill Clinton's decision to extend the most favoured nation MFN trading status for another...

BEIJING, JUNE 4: China today hailed US President Bill Clinton8217;s decision to extend the most favoured nation MFN trading status for another year, saying it was a wise decision8217; but urged Washington to make it permanent.

8220;President Clinton8217;s decision to accord MFN trade status to China is a wise decision but the US government and Congress should take a positive attitude in granting China permanent MFN and stop the outdated practice of repetitive annual review,8221; Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said at a routine ministry briefing.

Zhu also formally announced the dates for Clinton8217;s maiden state visit to the Communist country which will commence on June 25 till July 3 and promised that China would accord him a warm and friendly8217; reception.

Clinton, who will be the first US head of state to visit China since the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre here, will travel to Xian, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong. He is said to be accompanied by over 1,000-member-strong delegation packed inthree jumbo jets. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, however, made it clear that Clinton would be officially received at the Tiananmen Square, in front of the great hall of the people.

8220;According to our protocol, state guests are received at Tiananmen Square,8221; Zhu said while answering a question whether Beijing would be flexible8217; to accommodate a change in the venue of official reception for Clinton. Commenting on the importance of the visit and the Sino-US presidential summit, the spokesman said both Jiang Zemin and Bill Clinton would exchange views in an exhaustive8217; and in-depth8217; manner in matters concerning bilateral relations and international issues.

Analysts said Clinton was very keen on the China trip which was part of his constructive engagement8217; policy towards China by which he aims at moving forward under a more normal relationship with the Communist regime here following a protracted chill in bilateral ties after Tiananmen. The visit also takes place against the backdrop ofheightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the nuclear tests, the worst financial crisis in the Asia-Pacific region and serious allegations that China attempted to influence 1996 US elections and obtained sensitive American missile technology.