67
President Clintons decision on Apr.8 to send Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji packing without an agreement on Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization seemed to be a massive miscalculation. The President took a drubbing from much of the press, which had breathlessly reported that a deal was in the bag. The Cabinet and Whit House still appeared divided, and business leaders were characterized as furious over the lost opportunity. Zhu charged that Clinton lacked the courage to reach an accord. And when Clinton later telephoned the angry Zhu to pledge a renewed effort at negotiations, the gesture was widely portrayed as a flip-flop.
In fact, Clinton made the right decision in holding out for a better WTO deal. A lot more horse trading is needed before a final agreement can be reached. And without the Administrations goal of a bullet-proof agreement that business lobbyists can enthusiastically sell to a Republican Congress, the whole process will end up in partisan acrimony that could harm relations with China for years.
THE HARD PART. Many business lobbyists, while disappointed that the deal was not closed, agree that better terms can still be had. And Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin, National Economic Council Director Gene B. Sperling, Commerce Secretary William M. Daley, and top trade negotiator Charlene Barshefsky all advised Clinton that while the Chinese had made a remarkable number of concessions, were not there yet, according to senior officials.
Negotiating with Zhu over the remaining issues may be the easy part. Although Clinton can signal U.S. approval for Chinas entry into the WTO himself, he needs Congress to grant Beijing permanent most-favored-nation status as part of a broad trade accord. And the temptation for meddling on Capital Hill may prove over-whelming. Zhu had barely landed before Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott declared himself skeptical that China deserved entry into the WTO. And Senators Jesse A. Helms and Emest F. Hollings promised to introduce a bill requiring congressional approval of any deal.
The hidden message from these three textile-state Southerners: Get more protection for the U. S. clothing industry. Hoping to smooth the way, the Administration tried, but failed, to budge Zhu on textiles. Also left in the lurch: Wall Street, Hollywood, and Detroit. Zhu refused to open up much of the lucrative Chinese securities market and insisted on cultural restrictions on American movies and music. He also blocked efforts to allow U. S. auto makers to provide fleet financing.
BIG JOB. Already, business lobbyists are blanketing Capitol Hill to presale any eventual agreement, but what theyve heard so far isnt encouraging. Republicans, including Lott, say that the time just isnt right for the deal. Translation: Were determined to make it look as if Clinton has capitulated to the Chinese and is ignoring human, religious, and labor rights violations; the theft of nuclear-weapons technology; and the sale of missile parts to Americas enemies. Beijings fierce critics within the Democratic Party, such as Senator Paul D. Wellstone of Minnesota and House Minority leader Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri, wont help, either.
Just how tough the lobbying job on Capitol Hill will be become clear on Apr. 20, when Rubin lectured 19chief executives on the need to discipline their Republican allies. With business and the White House still trading charges over who is responsible for the defeat of fast-track trade negotiating legislation in 1997, working together wont be easy. And Republicanswith a winksay that theyll eventually embrace Chinas entry into the WTO as a favor to Corporate America. Though not long before they torture Clinton. But Zhu is out on a limb, and if Congress overdoes the criticism, he may be forced by domestic critics to renege. Business must make this much dear to both its GOP allies and the Whit House: This historic deal is too important to risk losing to any more partisan squabbling
1 The main idea of this passage is
[A]. The Contradiction between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. [B]. On Chinas entry into WTO.
[C]. Clinton was right. [D]. Business Lobbyists Control Capitol Hill.
2 What does the sentence Also left in the lurch: Wall Street, Hollywood, Detroit convey?
[A]. Premier Zhu rejected their requirements. [B]. The three places overdid criticism.
[C]. They wanted more protection. [D]. They are in trouble.
3 What was the attitude of the Republican Party toward Chinas entry into the WTO?
[A]. Contradictory. [B].Appreciative .[C]. Disapproving. [D]. Detestful.
4 Who plays the leading part in the deal in America?
[A]. White House . [B]. Republicans. [C]. The Democratic Party. [D]. Businessmen.
5 It can be inferred from the passage that
[A]. America will make concessions.
[B]. America will hold out for a better WTO
[C]. Clinton has the right to signal U. S. approval for Chinas entry.
[D]. Democratic party approve Chinas entry into the WTO.
参考答案:CAADA
“潜规则”之职场八条
如何用英语表达“原来啊…”
实用口语情景轻松学:我没在海里游过泳
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 当仁不让 ACT 3 - 2
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(2--介绍)
如何用英语表达“你得减肥了”
疯狂口语要素精选11
2011年实用口语练习:“淘金热”
英语口语-安慰
2011年实用口语练习:遮人耳目
大运会必备接待口语
实用口语:浪漫 Romance
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(14--同事之间)
如何用英文表达“你活该”
2011年实用口语练习:高铁开通了
实用口语情景轻松学:国外理发店实用对话
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 感恩节ACT 1 - 1
英语口语:怎样放“狠话”让对方离你远点
2011年实用口语练习:实用英语串烧
2011年实用口语练习:当猪飞起来的时候
职场英语情景会话:Farewell before Christmas 圣诞前的道别
20条地道实用英语句型(1)
实用口语情景轻松学:奶奶过生日美颠儿颠儿的
男生女生:我们可以只当朋友吗?
2011年实用口语练习:从头至尾
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(3--邀请)
实用口语情景轻松学:您要的早餐送上来了
2011年实用口语练习:Join a club 社团活动
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 二度蜜月ACT 3 - 3
趣味英语:搭讪十大妙招
| 不限 |
| 英语教案 |
| 英语课件 |
| 英语试题 |
| 不限 |
| 不限 |
| 上册 |
| 下册 |
| 不限 |