[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                              MFN TO CHINA

                                 ______


                        HON. MICHAEL A. ANDREWS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 1994

  Mr. ANDREWS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it has been over 20 years since 
former President Richard M. Nixon opened diplomatic relations with 
China and our nations have been intertwined ever since. Our countries 
have had a history of mutual respect, as well as a desire to continue 
this mutually beneficial relationship.
  That is why I support the President's decision to renew China's most-
favored-nation [MFN] trade status and like the administration, I 
believe that this is the best way to promote, over the long term, the 
full scope of United States economic and strategic interests with 
China.
  This extension is not a forfeiture of human rights in China. There 
are still serious concerns about human rights in China and we must 
continue to pursue the human rights issue as a significant foreign 
policy objective.
  In addition, we must continue to work with China on other issues that 
are vital to this country--relations with North Korea and nuclear 
proliferation, trade and immigration. I believe that with greater 
exposure to democratic principles, western business practices and 
economic contacts, the Government of China will be a trading partner 
with the same human rights agenda and principles this Nation promotes. 
In doing so, it is also important that we continue to encourage China 
to participate in the international community, while pursuing overall 
economic engagement in the process.
  The administration is pushing a program to support the people in 
China who are working consistently and defiantly to promote democracy 
and human rights. There is support for Radio Free Asia and an ever-
increasing promotion of a greater engagement of the Chinese people in 
general.
  We must be plain about the differences and work to reconcile these 
differences when possible. We must advance exchange relationships that 
further China's knowledge and appreciation for the law, as well as 
promote freedom of choice and actively engage China in the 
implementation of the rights-related obligations.
  We should maintain an active and engaging role in China. Trade with 
China supported over 150,000 American jobs and produced nearly $9 
billion in United States exports. There is no doubt that with increased 
trade relations with China, these numbers will rise. Our vital 
interests with China are best served by continuing a normalized 
relationship over the long-term.
  China is changing economically, socially and politically at a very 
fast pace. Therefore, it is important that the United States has a 
national interest in a China that is steady, reform-minded, 
constructive, secure and meets all of the international human rights 
standards.
  United States-China relations are of critical importance to the 
economic welfare of our country and a continued viable relationship 
with China will be helpful to our Nation, the Chinese people and the 
international community.

                          ____________________