[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DISAPPROVAL OF MOST-FAVORED-NATION TREATMENT FOR CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 1997

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for House Joint Resolution 79, a bill to disapprove most-favored-nation 
[MFN] trade status for China. House Joint Resolution 79 is targeted to 
send a strong message to the Chinese Government that continues 
suppression of human rights, flaunting of international agreements on 
nuclear nonproliferation, and engaging in unfair trade practices cannot 
be tolerated, ignored, or rewarded.
  Denying most-favored-nation status for China is a reasonable response 
to the continuing controversy over trade and human rights policy with 
regard to China. It is absolutely imperative that the House of 
Representatives and the United States Government not reward the Chinese 
regime which brutally massacred pro-democracy demonstrators in 
Tiananmen Square. Granting most-favored-nation status for all Chinese 
products rewards the Chinese regime for its intransigence on human 
rights, and its refusal to engage in fair trade.
  Mr. Speaker, despite the arguments of those who support unfettered 
trade with China, the fact remains that trade and human rights are 
inextricably linked. A nation that suppresses its citizens' human 
rights also suppresses their wages. This, in turn, leads to an 
unnatural advantage in trade, which adversely impacts American 
businesses and workers, and causes the loss of American jobs.
  In fact, the United States receives more than 30 percent of China's 
exports, accounting for a significant portion of the Chinese GDP. While 
on the other hand, less than 2 percent of American exports go to China. 
China's extensive use of prison and child labor over the past decade 
has resulted in a staggering 1,000 percent increase in the China-United 
States trade deficit. This imbalance is projected to top $40 billion 
this year.
  The United States trade deficit with China is second only to our 
trade deficit with Japan. Yet, despite the freedom we grant to Chinese 
imports to the United States, China does not grant most-favored-nation 
status to United States goods, and continues to bar certain United 
States goods from the Chinese market. For those who advocate free 
trade, it seems rather illogical and inconsistent to grant free access 
to our market to a country which denies free access to their market for 
our goods.
  Most-favored-nation status is perhaps the most effective tool for 
influencing the Chinese Government to improve their record on human 
rights. If the United States continues to grant most-favored-nation 
status to Chinese goods, without requiring improvements in human 
rights, there is no incentive for the Chinese regime to alter their 
policies.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all of my colleagues to insist that the 
United States stand up for the principles of human rights, and for the 
freedom of the Chinese people. Vote for House Joint Resolution 79 and 
send a clear, unmistakable message to the dictators in Beijing, and 
your consistuents, that you believe in freedom and democracy for people 
all over the world.

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