Issue
Objective/explanation
7
CONFIDENTIAL
Present status/progress
China
interest*
UK
interest*
Secretary for Trade and Industry (Cont'd)
Taiwan's
Application for
Contracting Party Status in the GATT
Renewal of Most Favoured Nation
(MFN) status for China by the US
Taiwan applied for GATT membership on 1 January 1990 on behalf of the Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.
Under US legislation, MFN status for certain countries, including China, is subject to the issue on an annual basis of a waiver certifying that the country concerned does not practise a restrictive emigration policy. China's MFN status expires on 3 July each year and President Bush is required to announce by 3 June each year whether he
Despite extensive lobbying by Taiwan, the issue has not yet been formally broached in the GATT due to PRC's objection. The US has sounded out the views of GATT members on Taiwan's application from the legal, trade and political perspectives. The outcome of Taiwan's lobbying in Geneva in April suggests that given the political implications, GATT members will remain reluctant to take open, formal positions in the foreseeable future.
President Bush announced on 24 May 1990 his decision to extend MFN status to China for another year. some US senators and Congressmen have criticised the decision and are seeking to overturn it. Present indications are that there is insufficient support in the US Congress for such a move to succeed. The Hong Kong Government is
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