Pete Stark: “I support a trade regime that advances the living standards of Americans and that creates hope for the Chinese people…”

“I support a trade regime that advances the living standards of Americans and that creates hope for the Chinese people; and that is why I oppose permanent normal trade relations with China. Because it says one more time that we are pushing ahead with trade agreements without any regard for environmental and labor standards, and without any regard for religious and political freedoms. We never proceed on a trade agreement without protection for intellectual property. All would concede the consequences for companies here and the rule of law there. I want to see trade bring new openness to China, new economic opportunities and the rise of freedom. But what has the experience of the past decade taught us? Look at their record. China has engaged in unfair trade practices, pirated intellectual property, participated in weapons proliferation, suppressed democracy, and acted with belligerence towards Taiwan; all this while Congress has provided most favored nation status. Do we truly believe that by granting China permanent MFN and foregoing the yearly review that these abuses will somehow improve? Let us vote against this effort. Let us impose on China the opportunity for freedom, and if they cannot do that, they should forfeit the benefits that other nations enjoy.”