[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 110 (Friday, July 30, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DISAPPROVING EXTENSION OF NONDISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT TO PRODUCTS OF 
                       PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 1999

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, the President has announced the 
extension of Normal Trading Relations with the People's Republic of 
China. I support his decision because I believe that U.S. interests are 
best served by a stable and open China. However, most importantly, I 
believe that normal relations with China is the most effective way to 
convince them to end their human rights abuses and join the 
international community in support of democracy.
  We should demand that China abide by international trade and non-
proliferation agreements, cooperate in regional and global peace-
keeping security initiatives, and maintain and respect the human rights 
of the Chinese people.
  Our total trade and exports to China has dramatically expanded. The 
United States maintains a large agricultural trade surplus with China 
(including Hong Kong), our fourth largest agricultural market. U.S. 
agricultural exports to China reached almost $2.9 billion in 1998. In 
addition, engagement has produced significant breakthroughs in opening 
China's agricultural market.
  If the United States chose not to continue normal relations, we would 
be the loser. China will find other trade countries to replace the U.S. 
goods now sold to China. Should I become convinced that ending our 
trade with China would be more effective in changing their human rights 
abuses and help achieve U.S. interests, I would vote to do so.

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