China rejects US trade terms

President Bill Clinton issued an executive order renewing China's trade privileges in the US for another year, but declared that Peking would have to improve its record on human rights, trade and nuclear non-proliferation to secure future renewals, writes Raymond Whitaker.

The executive order calls on China to free political prisoners, recognise 'Tibet's distinctive religious and cultural heritage', follow humane practices in the use of prison labour and allow international radio and television broadcasts into China. China protested against Mr Clinton's decision to make next year's renewal of the Most Favoured Nation status dependent on human rights improvements, saying the conditions were unacceptable.