[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 30 (Monday, July 27, 1998)]
[Page 1455]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on House of Representatives Action To Extend Normal Trade 
Relations With China

July 22, 1998

    I welcome the strong, bipartisan vote in the House today to extend 
normal trade relations with China.
    This vote reflects my conviction that active engagement with China--
expanding our areas of cooperation while dealing forthrightly with our 
differences--is the most effective way to advance our interests and our 
values. Over the past year and during my recent trip to China, 
engagement has produced tangible results and steady progress on vital 
issues--fostering political and economic stability in Asia, stopping the 
spread of weapons of mass destruction, combating international crime and 
drug trafficking, protecting the environment, promoting human rights and 
religious freedom.
    Trade is a vital part of engagement--supporting jobs here at home, 
lowering product prices, and helping us to build ties to nearly one 
quarter of the world's people. Normal trade relations with China will 
help us strengthen those ties and continue our efforts to make China an 
increasingly open and productive partner for America.