GOP Leaders May Back China Watchdog Plan

May 3, 2000

As lobbying intensifies on whether to grant normal trade relations to China, Congressional leaders may approve a monitoring group to keep an eye on Chinese human rights performance, according to REUTERS. The watchdog commission, proposed by Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), would monitor Chinese human rights violations and could recommend sanctions.

Trade observers believe momentum is now on the side of those who support permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) for China, which hopes to join the World Trade Organization soon. A vote in the House of Representatives will come the week of May 22.

Most agricultural groups support PNTR, but it faces opposition from the labor movement and many human rights and religious groups. Administration efforts to sway undecided lawmakers have picked up, and though the vote is expected to be close, increasing confidence has characterized PNTR supporters in recent days.