THE advantages to China in joining the successor organisation to the international body controlling trade in hi-tech goods far outweigh the disadvantages, according to the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).
COCOM, the French acronym for the Co-ordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls, has 17 advanced Western country members, including the United States. Its authority expires on March 31 and it is expected to be replaced by a new organisation.
COCOM has in the past continually reviewed dangerous and sensitive high technology and set rules to inhibit its export to countries such as China, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya and the former member states of the Soviet Union.
AmCham vice-chairman Steven Senderling said: ''Building the country's [China's] economy from the import of high technology, which it would otherwise be denied if China does not become a member, far outweighs the short-term benefits it derives from the possible export of sensitive high technology''.
As to whether China would be willing to stop its alleged trade of sensitive technology to certain countries, Mr Senderling said the benefits for it were greater than the costs.
Under COCOM, member countries are currently barred from selling to China certain advanced computer components and the technology to make some otherwise widely available microchips.
