US Urged to Pass Trade Bill as Soon as Possible

China hopes the United States can pass the bill granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to China as soon as possible, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi Thursday in Beijing.

The bill is believed to be "conducive to the healthy and smooth advancement of Sino-US relations," said Sun at a regular news briefing.

Commenting on the rejection of a non-proliferation amendment in the US Senate, the spokesman said the intention of some US congressmen of damaging bilateral relations will never succeed.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 65-32 to set aside the non-proliferation plan and put the trade bill on course for final passage by early next week.

The amendment plan was proposed by Republican Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee.

Cardinal's visit

Turning to the trip of the Vatican Cardinal Roger Etchegary to China, Sun said it is just a normal religious visit, ruling out that there was any special diplomatic contact between the two sides.

Cardinal Etchegary is visiting China in the capacity of French Cardinal and at the invitation of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Sun.

He is also the guest of Fu Tieshan, president of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and Liu Yuanren, chairman of the Chinese Catholic Bishops College.

Sun reaffirmed that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican depends on the practical action of the Vatican.

The Vatican must not interfere in China's internal affairs.

This includes not using religion to interfere in the internal affairs of Chinese Catholics, and it must sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan if it is to have a proper relationship with China.

Non-proliferation talks

China and the United States will soon hold talks on issues concerning non-proliferation as well as the sale of US arms to Taiwan, said Sun.

"We hope the consultation will help enhance mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral co-operation in this field," he said, declining to say when the talks will begin.

(Source: Chinadaily.com.cn)



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