    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [June 24, 1997]
    [Page 813]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Most-Favored-Nation
    Status for China
    June 24, 1997

        This past weekend, I was proud to host the leaders of the major
    industrial democracies at the Summit of the Eight in Denver. We
    discussed ways to make the 21st century safer, more secure, and more
    prosperous for all our people, and how we need to reach out to the world
    to ensure our well-being at home.
        Today's vote in the House of Representatives to continue our normal
    trading relations with China enhances our ability to do just that--and
    to deepen our cooperation with the largest country in the world. I'm
    especially pleased to see this vote had strong bipartisan support. It
    sends a clear signal to our friends and foes alike that when it comes to
    America's security and prosperity, our Nation speaks with one voice.
        Today's vote was a vote for America's interests. It makes clear that
    the right way to encourage further progress in China is not to cut China
    off but to draw China in.
        China is home to nearly one-fourth the world's population and is one
    of the fastest growing markets in the world. Our steady engagement has
    expanded areas of cooperation, from stopping nuclear testing to
    promoting stability on the Korean Peninsula; from combating terrorism,
    drug trafficking, and pollution to protecting American intellectual
    property rights. And already, we sell $12 billion worth of exports to
    China every year--supporting tens of thousands of good American jobs.
        Preserving normal trade relations does not mean endorsement of all
    of China's policies. When we disagree with China, such as on human
    rights and religious freedom, we will continue to speak out candidly and
    clearly. While we've felt all along that revoking normal trade relations
    would only exacerbate our differences, we are committed to work closely
    with Congress and others to defend and advance our interests with China
    as we strengthen our cooperation.
        The way China evolves in the years ahead will have an enormous
    bearing on the shape of the 21st century. A stable, secure, open, and
    prosperous China that respects international norms and works with us as
    a partner is profoundly in America's interest. Ultimately, China will
    decide its own destiny. But by maintaining our steady engagement, we can
    play a useful role--helping China choose the path of integration that
    will benefit our people and the world.
        Today's House vote reinforces that strategy and strengthens our
    ability to encourage positive change. Again, I want to thank the House
    of Representatives for its strong bipartisan support. I look forward to
    working with Members of both parties to deepen our policy consensus
    toward China and to advance our security and prosperity in the future.