Clinton, Chinese Premier Agree to Push Forward on Trade Talks

President Clinton and Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji agreed Tuesday to “move intensively” toward resolution of negotiations on trade and China’s entrance into the World Trade Organization.

The announcement in a joint U.S.-China statement issued by the White House came as the administration rebutted congressional criticism of its failure to complete a trade deal and open China’s vast market to U.S. exporters during Zhu’s visit here last week.

Zhu and Clinton spoke by phone while the Chinese premier was visiting New York.

“During the conversation, they agreed that both sides should move intensively on negotiations toward resolution of the remaining issues in their talks on China’s accession to the WTO,” the joint communique said. “They have agreed to have negotiations continue by the end of the month in Beijing.”

In a CNN interview broadcast Tuesday night, Zhu said negotiations were in “the final stages” and he expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached this year.

U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky told lawmakers earlier Tuesday that Clinton was committed to seeing that negotiations are finished in time to clear the way for China to join the World Trade Organization this year.

“We will reengage with the Chinese shortly,” she said.