In order to facilitate modernisation, China made big concessions in a bid to re-enter the World Trade Organisation (WTO). However, there are still some problems to be solved.
The first obstacle to WTO membership is the issue of human rights. It is not necessary for the Chinese Government to arrest the democratic activists, because if it can strengthen its propaganda to inform the people of the successful reforms and favourable policies which are enhancing their standard of living and national prosperity, they will continue to support the Chinese Communist Party. Premier Zhu Rongji should reassure the West that the mainland will not use bullets again to handle mass demonstrations. In the Tibetan issue, the Dalai Lama should be invited to rule Tibet together with them. China should show a more friendly attitude towards Taiwan which is regarded as independent by the world.
The second obstacle is the imbalance in trade. Chinese industries must improve their productivity so that the country does not need to import so many foreign goods. If the quality of the mainland's products can be improved, the US market will not be flooded with so many cheap imports from China and the US is requested to export more high technology to offset the deficit.
The third obstacle is the corrupt bureaucracy and outdated institutions. Foreign investors often complain about illegal fees and the difficulty of converting their profits to other currencies. China should commit itself to fair trade practices and abide by international rules.
Since there are still very strong anti-China sentiments in the US Congress, we must not be over-optimistic about reaching a full agreement and we should not neglect the influence of the European countries.
CHRISTOPHER TSANG CHI-PING Kowloon