ACCESSION NUMBER:242580
FILE ID:EPF502
DATE:09/11/92
TITLE:U.S. WAIVES SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CURBS FOR CHINA (09/11/92)
TEXT:*92091102.EPF
*EPF502  09/11/92 *

U.S. WAIVES SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CURBS FOR CHINA
(Text:  State Department announcement September 11) (520)
Washington -- The Bush administration has informed Congress that it is
waiving legislative restrictions on the export of U.S. satellites to the
People's Republic of China, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The action is in the national interest of the United States, State
Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said September 11, because the
safeguards proposed by the satellites' manufacturers are adequate to
protect the technology from diversion and because the administration had
agreed to consider such waivers if the Beijing government promised to
observe the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

"The administration has carefully monitored Chinese compliance (with the
MTCR) and concludes that Chinese behavior is consistent with its
obligations," Boucher said.

Boucher also pointed out that the export of these satellites will help
reduce the U.S. trade deficit with China and provide jobs for American
workers.

Following is the text of Boucher's statement:
(begin text)
STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER/SPOKESMAN
CHINA -- SATELLITE LICENSES
The Administration informed Congress today that it is waiving legislative
restrictions on U.S. exports for the APSAT, Asiasat 2, Intelsat VIIA,
STARSAT, AfriStar, and Dong Fang Hong 3 satellite projects in the People's
Republic of China.  These satellites may be launched on PRC-owned vehicles.
 The Administration stressed that this action was in the national interest
of the United States.

An interagency control review of these projects concluded that the
1afeguards proposed by the manufacturers are adequate to protect U.S.
technology from diversion or unauthorized access by China.  We have acted
now to inform Congress while it is still in session.

This action also derives from an agreement by the Chinese Government to
observe the guidelines and parameters of the Missile Technology Control
Regime (MTCR).  Earlier this year, it was announced that in response to
this Chinese decision, we would consider waivers for the export of
satellites and components.  The Administration has carefully monitored
Chinese compliance and concludes that Chinese behavior is consistent with
its obligations.

This action today sends a clear reassurance to commercial markets of U.S.
reliability as a supplier of high-technology goods and services.  Two of
these satellite projects are in production and are worth approximately $150
million.  The other four projects are in the technical discussion stage.
Successful completion of these discussions coupled with follow-on exports
will yield well over $500 million.  These exports will help reduce our
trade deficit with China and provide jobs for American workers.

Missile proliferation remains an important U.S. national security concern.
Accordingly, the Administration continues to monitor closely China's
observance of its obligations under the Missile Technology Control Regime
as well as our bilateral agreement on commercial space vehicle launch
services.

This waiver action was taken pursuant to Section 902 (b) (2) of the Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (P.L. 101-246), and
Section 608 (a) of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the
Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992 (P.L. 102-140).

(end text)
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