Gingrich Makes Shift On China Urges Short-Term Renewal Of Favored Trading Status

House Speaker Newt Gingrich shifted his longheld stance on China’s trade status Wednesday and called for a limited renewal that is linked to Beijing’s human rights performance.

“Particularly in this year of Hong Kong’s reversion to China, a signal that would be appropriate would be to extend ‘most-favored nation’ status to China for a period of time less than the customary 12 months,” Gingrich said in an address to Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

President Clinton, like previous presidents, has asked Congress to renew the trade status - which despite its name is the one granted to nearly every nation - for a full year. However, at least two proposals that would create a two-step process are gaining support.

Sen. Connie Mack, R-Fla., has introduced legislation advocating a three-month extension of the favorable trading status, while Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, is seeking a six-month extension.

Both bills are designed to force China to face another renewal process after control of the Democratic province of Hong Kong officially reverts from Britain back to Beijing on July 1. The Chinese government has vowed not to change Hong Kong’s government for at least 50 years.

“I support these efforts, which will focus increased attention on the extent to which the Chinese government fulfills its promises and is true to its commitments,” Gingrich said.

Gingrich refused to say Wednesday whether he supports a six-month or three-month extension of the trading status.

The speaker’s movement on the issue of China’s trading status comes at a time when the Republican Party’s social conservatives are stepping up efforts to block passage of the renewal.

Led by former GOP presidential candidate Patrick Buchanan and Gary Bauer of the Family Research Council, conservatives object to China’s support of abortion and stifling of religious expression.

Several high-profile Democrats have also long opposed the trading status bill because of China’s history of human rights abuses.

Renewal of the trading status is being advocated by business organizations hungry for access to China’s huge market and diplomats who worry that worsening economic conditions within Beijing will only hurt the efforts of pro-democracy groups.

Gingrich’s decision to move toward a compromise position likely reflects the realities of passing any version of the trading bill when Hong Kong’s future is on the front pages.

“The future of Hong Kong is crucial,” Gingrich said. “What it comes down to is that Beijing must respect its own commitments and declarations regarding the integrity of Hong Kong and permit the unfettered operation of this second system within one country.”