Matt Salmon: “Mr. Speaker, I just spoke to the Chinese people in their native tongue about the benefits of PNTR to both our countries…”

“Mr. Speaker, I just spoke to the Chinese people in their native tongue about the benefits of PNTR to both our countries and how it will advance the cause of freedom. Unfortunately, to the majority of the Americans, this debate has been framed as a stark choice between free trade and human rights. In truth, increased trade with China is both. Many Americans understand the economic benefit of PNTR to the United States. First is the dramatic reduction of trade barriers imposed on U.S. exports of goods and services. Whether it is a car battery or a semiconductor, U.S. companies will enjoy the lowest tariffs on their products in the history of U.S. trade with China. But free trade will also improve the human rights situation. Even His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader who has suffered oppression at the hands of the Chinese Government, understands the importance of engaging China. In a recent interview, he said, I have always stressed that China should not be isolated. China must be brought into the mainstream of the world community. By saying no to isolationism and embracing engagement, we can spread the gospel of free trade, democracy, human rights, and religious freedom one worker, one village, one city, and one province at a time. Let us all know and take note the most important export that we have is our American values and democracy. Let us not be afraid.…”