Today's Story Line

November 12, 1999

China's entry to the WTO might cost US textile and steel workers jobs. But it would also open a huge market for US telephone companies and banks.

The vaunted Japanese salaryman faces retirement as Western downsizing takes hold.

Budapest teens delight as Europe's biggest mall opens. Another form of US cultural imperialism?

- David Clark Scott, World editor

REPORTERS ON THE JOB

*MEDIA DETENTE TOO: The last time Beijing-based Kevin Platt visited the US Embassy, angry Chinese demonstrators were at the gate. A CNN correspondent was assaulted. It was just after the NATO bombing of Chinese Embassy in Serbia. Yesterday, Kevin found the street quiet. The Chinese government has since blocked Xiushui Road in front of the embassy to all but diplomatic cars. About a dozen journalists - US, European, and Chinese - lingered outside, hoping to talk with US trade negotiators. "The atmosphere of camaraderie with the Chinese media had returned," says Kevin.

SANDER THOENES MEMORIALS

*FOR STUDENTS AND JOURNALISTS: Two funds have been established in the name of the Dutch journalist Sander Thoenes, who was murdered in East Timor. One fund will provide annual scholarships at Hampshire College, which Sander attended. Contributions can be sent to Susan Emerson Clapp, Office of Institutional Advancement, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA 01002. The Jakarta Foreign Correspondents' Club is also establishing, with the Financial Times, an annual award for a freelancer. Contributions can be sent to the Sander Thoenes Fund, account No. 586834-1013 at the ANZ Panin Bank, Panin Bank Centre, Jl Jenderal Sudirman (Senayan), Jakarta 10270.

CULTURAL SNAPSHOT..

*REMEMBRANCE DAY: As many as 50 million people - 85 percent of Britain's population - paused for two minutes marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the armistice was signed, ending World War I.

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