How the Chinese Spread SARS

By Jonathan Mirsky on May 29, 2003

Communist China’s long obsession with secrecy is one cause of the present SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) crisis. This passion for secrets—protected by lies—can involve events more than forty years ago, and it is heightened by a conviction common to all Communist countries: any disaster, natural or man-made, can reflect badly on the Party, the government, officials, and of course all citizens. Low-ranking officials who cannot conceal secrets will not rise through the hierarchy, and the highest officials hesitate before telling some or all of the truth.

Taiwan’s Accession to the WTO and its Economic Relations with the United States and China

By Wayne M. Morrison on May 16, 2003

After several years of negotiations, Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), the international organization that sets rules for most international trade, on January 1, 2002. Taiwan’s WTO membership is expected to accelerate trade and economic reforms, boost economic growth, and expand trade and investment links with other WTO members, including the United States. WTO accession by both Taiwan and China (which joined in December 2001) could expand their bilateral commercial ties as well. In an effort to further boost U.S.-Taiwan economic ties (and to lessen Taiwan’s growing economic dependency on the mainland), some Members of Congress have indicated support and proposed legislation for a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement.

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Peony Lui
Topics: 
Economy
Keywords: 
Taiwan
World Trade Organization
U.S.-Taiwan Relations
Free Trade
Organization: 
Congressional Research Service