Gingrich Retreats on Hong Kong Linkage

Acquiescing to the urgings of Hong Kong’s democratic leaders, House Speaker Newt Gingrich pulled back on a proposal to link favored trade status with China to Beijing’s behavior toward Hong Kong. In about a month, Congress must take up President Clinton’s expected decision to extend to China for another year normal trading status that ensures low tariffs on Chinese goods. Gingrich, reflecting congressional concern about political rights in Hong Kong after the British colony reverts to Chinese control July 1, has supported two proposals--either to delay the vote or extend the trade status for only three or six months until the situation is clearer.