Chinese Political Researcher Welcomes Passage of PNTA Legislature

＂Improvements in Sino-U.S. relations will contribute greatly towards easing tension in Northeast Asia. Stability on the Korean peninsula is an important issue both for China and the United States. The fact that neither the U.S. nor China wishes for war can explain everything,＂ stated Wang Jisi, director of the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. When he heard the news of the passage of the legislation in the U.S. Congress that would grant permanent normal trade relationship (PNTR) status for China, director Wang called it, 'a victory of pragmatism that placed priority on practical interests.'

Director Wang is currently visiting Seoul to attend an international seminar sponsored by the UNESCO committee in Korea and the Korean Academy of International Politics. He is one of the leading political researchers in China and a highly informed source about the United States who reportedly wields considerable influence on the Chinese government＇s foreign policy.

Commenting on the clause in the PNTR legislation that calls for keeping a watch on the status of human rights and the labor situation in China, director Wang said, ＂I oppose such a measure by the United States. It is of minor importance, however, as it appears to reflect the domestic situation in the United States rather than a true problem of China.＂

He holds an optimistic view of future Sino-U.S. ties based on three things. First of all, neither China, which will undoubtedly become more powerful in the future, nor the United States, which is already a superpower, wishes for a hostile relationship. Second, both countries agree that the huge Chinese market needs advanced technologies, and third, international problems, such as famine, diseases, and the elimination of nuclear weapons, could be resolved if the two countries maintain a relationship of cooperation. He states that the Taiwan issue would be the greatest obstacle to bilateral ties.

Director Wang referred to the upcoming inter-Korean summit talks as, ＂A key example of economic exchanges developing into political exchanges. The South Korean government made a wise decision, and China believes that it is only natural for both Koreas to resolve their problems on their own.＂

by Shin Yong-ho