April 9, 1999
Web posted at: 1:57 p.m. EST (1757 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 9) -- Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji continued his official visit to Washington Friday, meeting with members of Congress in the morning and later taking part in a forum on the environment and development with Vice President Al Gore.

Speaking at the conference through a translator, Zhu suggested that the key to balancing the large U.S. trade deficit with China could be exports of American technology to help China overcome its vast environmental problems.

Zhu said he would be willing to trade part of his nation's trade surplus for a cleaner environment. "If that happens I will be very happy," Zhu told the conference.

Gore, the administration's point man on environmental issues, said the United States and China cannot afford to ignore environmental issues because the two countries lead the world in the creation of greenhouse gases.

Zhu spoke of the "devastation of Mother Nature" in China as a result of soil erosion, deforestation and contamination generated by vehicles and coal, the country's main heating source. "We must find a way of sustainable and balanced development between the population, economy, society, environment and resources," he said.

Zhu's comments at the environment forum follows talks Thursday with President Bill Clinton. U.S.-China relations are delicate because pointed differences over issues like trade, human rights, Taiwan, and allegations of nuclear espionage are making things all the more difficult for a president who argues engagement is a far better course than isolation.

Following their meeting the two leaders engaged in a 90-minute press conference featuring both lighthearted moments and serious exchanges that clearly exhibited the large gap between many of their positions.

Zhu denied allegations his government stole U.S. nuclear technology for smaller warheads in the 1980s, or for the neutron bomb just a few years ago as well as charges that China illegally funneled money to Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign. The American president responded by appealing for China's cooperation with U.S. investigations.

Amid the sharp differences between Beijing and Washington that have strained relations recently, Clinton and Zhu appeared to hit it off personally.

The premier mixed a friendly demeanor with a firm defense of China's human rights record and policy toward Tibet and Taiwan. Like his host, he has to worry about domestic politics. Some in the old guard are suspicious of the premier's economic reforms.

The president was described by aides as impressed by the premier's economic ideas and political skills, and is confident that U.S.-China relations are on the upswing despite the delicate political environment in both countries.

The two took a break from official work Thursday night to attend a concert.

"There aren't many leaders who understand both the intricacies of global finance and the intricacies of Beijing opera, and who voice both blunt political views and blunt musical opinions," Clinton said, toasting the premier at an official White House dinner.

Clinton teased Zhu about the premier's admission that Western opera puts him to sleep.

"I hope Yo-Yo Ma understands the pressure on him!" Clinton said. The renowned cellist performed for the two leaders and more than 200 dinner guests in an East Room decorated in red and gold.

Zhu charmed the audience with his unabashed candor. Speaking through a translator, the premier said he never actually took a nap but often wanted to.

Meanwhile, an aviation agreement between the two nations was signed Friday by Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the State Department said.

The three-year deal is expected to double flights between the United States and China, adding new carriers and destinations in both nations. By April 2001, 54 flights to each country will be available each week, up from the current 27.

Friday, April 9, 1999

• McDougal jury deliberations to resume Monday
• Dole calls herself "pro-life" but says public won't support abortion ban
• Clinton calls on Congress to act on 'patients' bill of rights'
• Transcript: Clinton speaks on 'patients' bill of rights'
• Clinton holds out on long-awaited trade deal for China
• Chinese premier meets with Gore, members of Congress
• WTO talks fail despite concessions
• IRS warns tax filers: Don't be late
• Forbes on GOP front-runners: 'We'll smoke 'em out'
• Gore's campaign Web site touts open source code -- using closed system
• Church to close presidents' graves to daily visitors

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