The question is, will the Clinton Administration wield the big stick against China because it secretly exported nuclear weapons-making equipment to Pakistan, or will it chicken out? At a meeting on February 13 with top national security, economic and trade advisers, the White House failed to reach a decision on how to punish China without rupturing US-China ties. Although Beijing's action opens it to economic sanctions, they can be waived at the discretion of President Bill Clinton. This would also let Pakistan off the hook.