Clinton attacked over China

Washington - The US House of Representatives, pouncing on a chance to attack White House China policy, approved a package of …

Washington - The US House of Representatives, pouncing on a chance to attack White House China policy, approved a package of measures yesterday to halt the flow of sensitive satellite and missile technology to China. During a heated debate, Republicans questioned if President Clinton's decisions to approve such technology transfers to China had endangered national security.The White House spokesman, Mr Mike McCurry, said Mr Clinton would refuse a suggestion from the House Speaker, MrNewt Gingrich, that he postpone his trip to China in late June until questions were resolved about whether the Chinese tried to buy influence in US foreign policy. Mr Gingrich has said he plans to form a special panel to investigate the transfers. Meanwhile the Senate Republican Leader, Mr Trent Lott, said the Senate would also investigate the matter.