[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.