Number: RS20135
Title: CHINA-U.S. SUMMITRY: PREMIER ZHU RONGJI'S APRIL 1999 VISIT
Authors: Kerry Dumbaugh, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: On April 8, 1999, Premier Zhu Rongji will begin his first official visit to the United States since his selection as China's Prime Minister in March 1998. Zhu's visit is another important step in a seemingly perennial effort to improve U.S.-China relations. Although U.S. policymakers have tried to lower expectations about the visit's potential achievements, there is widespread speculation that a deal maybe in the works that could pave the way for China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), a matter under negotiation for over a decade now. Premier Zhu has been candid about his hopes for such an agreement. But both U.S. and Chinese government officials remain hamstrung by domestic political constraints that may make it difficult to reach accommodation on substantive matters. President Clinton is already under fire for his China policy, which some critics allege has made too many concessions to Beijing and has even compromised U.S. national security. Although Zhu is in a stronger position at home, his ability to make concessions sufficient for WTO accession is constrained by China's growing economic, political, and social problems, some of which are the result of new, painful reforms championed by Zhu himself. Any agreement on WTO that may come out of the Zhu visit is therefore likely to be challenged by key constituencies in both countries.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated March 30, 1999