Sources say Congress may renew Chinese sanctions effort

WASHINGTON — Members of Congress are considering renewing a drive to impose sanctions on China.

The effort would include passage of the China Nonproliferation Act, defeated in Congress last year. The act would require sanctions against nuclear proliferators and target China for its sales to such Middle East countries as Iran, Libya and Syria.

"This proposal would require sanctions against nuclear proliferators and was born out of frustration that the Clinton Administration looked the other way where China was concerned because of perceived diplomatic and political imperatives," Sen. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat, said.

Congressional aides said the departure of President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, could result in additional Democratic members of the House and Senate supporting sanctions on Beijing. The sources said many in Congress have been dismayed by reports of Chinese help to Iraqi's military.

Another focus of Congress will be to pass the Export Administration Act and establish a new export control regime.