MONITOR: ALL THE NEWS OF THE WORLD - CHINA AND THE US

Reactions to the Chinese President Zhu Rongji's visit to America

Boston Herald

US

IT IS in our interest to have China in the World Trade Organisation, but not at any price. To work to get China into the WTO helps China conclude that the US is desperate for their friendship - the damage such a conclusion can do is far greater than any trade benefits.

Sing Tao

China

BEIJING HAS given in to many US demands so it can join the WTO. However, some people have tried to challenge Clinton on these conditions. But China should be entitled to more benefits. Mr Clinton's enemies have failed to topple him over a series of sex and financial scandals, so they now target his policies on China. Mr Zhu may not break through in the US political arena, but he may be able to dismiss some of the objections to WTO membership.

Tin Tin Daily

China

MANY IN Washington say that China's WTO dilemma cannot be solved during Mr Zhu's visit. The cooling of US pressure has given Mr Zhu time to gain the upper hand. If it fails, it will have been because of road-blocks put up by the US and not through any fault of Beijing - which has agreed to so many concessions already.

Daily News

US

OFFICIALS SHOULD confront Mr Zhu about the reasons our relationship with China sometimes is sour. Congress should look closely at the alleged illegal campaign contributions from China, and the charges of nuclear spying. But however frustrated we may become with their regime, China should not be punished by depriving it of the very things that will lead it toward more freedom.