[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DISAPPROVAL OF MOST-FAVORED-NATION TREATMENT FOR CHINA

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                               speech of

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 1996

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, a year ago I heard and 
heeded the arguments of those who claimed that by maintaining MFN we 
would have the leverage to force change in China. In light of what has 
transpired over the last year, I find it difficult to reconcile the 
benefits of MFN with China, with China's refusal to obey international 
law regarding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its 
continued abuses of human rights. My hopes for change as a result of 
engagement through MFN were dashed.
  The record of China over the past year merits a strong and 
unequivocal message of protest from this body. On every issue that is 
central to United States-China relations we have witnessed a steady and 
serious deterioration over the past year. In the critical areas of 
human rights, weapons proliferation, trade, and military aggression we 
have seen retreat, not progress.
  I fully recognize the benefits of trade with China, and have held out 
the hope that by maintaining that relationship we could achieve 
progress in these critical areas. Therefore, I supported renewal of MFN 
last year. My hopes proved elusive, however, and the price of our 
forbearance has been an escalation in the threats to the security of 
the United States, both economic and strategic. I cannot stand by and 
watch China engage in practices that threaten the security of our 
Nation. If we are going to create a more secure place for the United 
States in the future, we must take the right actions today which will 
ensure that goal tomorrow.
  The greatest threat to the United States and world security is the 
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In the hands of rogue 
nations, in the hands of nations that support terrorism, in the 
arsenals of nations with simmering disputes that stand the risk of 
erupting any day, chemical and nuclear weapons are a threat, not just 
to the United States but to the world.
  In recent years, contrary to the promises made by the Chinese, China 
has increased both the quantity and the quality of its arms transfers. 
Not only has China transferred missile technology, but now China has 
transferred nuclear and chemical weapons technology to nonsafeguarded 
nations. Protests have produced promises, but what we have gotten in 
return for our indulgence and patience is continued defiance of 
international law. A record of broken promises is not strong enough to 
support renewal of MFN.
  The human rights abuses of China are almost too numerous to mention. 
Time and time again, we have been promised that reforms would be 
enacted. But once again, there was not progress this year.
  For these reasons, I cannot in good conscience support MFN renewal 
this year. I hope that in the future China reforms its practices, and 
demonstrates through meaningful, positive reforms its desire to join 
the international community. The door is open for a China that obeys 
treaties and respects the rule of law. There is no place for a China 
that behaves with the disrespect for international law which China has 
exhibited in the past year. There is a need to send a message to China 
when their behavior so endangers our national security. Therefore I 
will oppose MFN this year.

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