CHINA'S MFN STATUS: CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1.
The President decides on MFN renewal only one month before it is due to expire. Thus his approval of renewal on
28 May 1991 was for the period 3 July 1991 to 2 July 1992.
Given the complexity of trade and the time needed to react
to changed conditions this is an odd way of operating but
it is so.
2.
Congress can attempt to overturn MFN status at any time. Unless the Chinese do something particularly heinous (such
as supply missiles to Syria or Pakistan) this is unlikely to
be successful. In the past, Congress has preferred to try
to attach conditions for MFN renewal. They could, in
theory, do so at any time, but have usually tried to do so
for the annual June renewal.
The timetable so far this year and as anticipated is as
follows:
1992
25 February
2 March
11 March
18 March
Senate passed Bill to set conditions on
renewal for 1992/93. (Vote 59-39 fell
short of 2/3 majority required to override Presidential veto).
Senate Bill vetoed by President.
House voted (357-61) to override the
President's veto of the Congress Bill. (ie above the 2/3 majority).
Senate voted (60-38) to override the
Presidents veto, but failed to obtain the two thirds majority necesseary.
KIPAIY/1
TG