THE PACIFIC SUMMIT : The Press : Reflections of Regional Diversity

On the eve of the APEC summit in Seattle, the Asian press has reflected a variety of views. A sampling:

“The long-term aim should be a free trade agreement among the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members. In other words, convert NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) in stages into PAFTA (Pacific Asia Free Trade Area).”

-- Lee Kuan Yew, former Singapore prime minister,

as quoted by Kyodo News Service

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“Seattle, a beautiful city of the American West Coast, will be the focus of attention in a few days . . . Many signs indicate that the cool relationship between China and the U.S. has been improved recently. Many believe that the bilateral relationship is at a turning point.

“As far as we can tell, the change in the relationship between China and the U.S. is based this time on the economy. It will bring about effects for both the economy and trade relations between the two countries. We of the China business community are paying special attention. The handshaking of the great men will not solve problems alone. Seeking common ground on major issues while reserving differences is our hope. Getting rid of the shadows of the Cold War and establishing a new relationship is the historic choice.”

-- China Business Times , Beijing

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“We have several requests of the United States. It appears that the United States regards APEC not as a forum for cooperation but as one for negotiations in which it can demand rapid liberalization of trade and investment. This is why some APEC countries harbor antipathy against the United States. . . .

“APEC is also intended to be an economic unity in which non-regional countries are not discriminated against. It would be problematic if the United States were a member in both an open APEC and an exclusive NAFTA simultaneously. We hope the United States will work to prevent NAFTA from having a protectionist nature.”

-- Daily Yomiuri , Tokyo

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“The 19-20 November APEC summit meeting, set against the cliffhanger congressional vote on the North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA) involving the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and ahead of the December 15 deadline for the GATT negotiations, may take on a far greater significance than the forum’s founders had intended.”

-- Far Eastern Economic Review , Hong Kong

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“Tentative first steps toward developing freer trade between the United States and the Pacific Rim could be undermined . . . if U.S. President Bill Clinton fails to convince Congress to ratify the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). . . . Some analysts believe that NAFTA’s failure would embarrass Mr. Clinton and leave him with a weaker hand in gaining access for U.S. business to Pacific Rim markets.”

-- South China Morning Post , Hong Kong

“It is indicative of Washington’s desire to enhance its leadership role in Asia. Together with Japan, the richest Asian country, the United States wants to promote an international trading system. President Clinton’s success as a U.S. President may depend on his Asia policy, a fact he has repeatedly emphasized since his campaign days. . . .

“APEC cannot help being a loose regional organization because of the historical animosities and undefined roles of regional players. There is uncertainty and the need to find consensus among the diverse membership with respect for the Asian tradition.

“Also, there is fear that the APEC machinery may be turning to a big power forum. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir, who will not be attending the Seattle meeting, is the main holder of such a view.”

-- Korea Herald , Seoul

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“At the Seattle meeting, the face of APEC could be changed for good. President Bill Clinton is expected to call for his APEC counterparts to display collective political will in pushing for the creation of free trade between member countries. In the broader sense, APEC will serve the U.S. . . . in its battle against the EC fortress, if GATT proves to be a paper tiger. . . .”

-- The Nation , Bangkok