James A. Leach: “the House gathers today to consider an issue of seminal importance for the national interests of the United States: the…”

“the House gathers today to consider an issue of seminal importance for the national interests of the United States: the case for Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China and China's prospective membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). There can be little doubt that this is the most consequential foreign policy legislation upon which this Congress has been asked to address in the new millennium. Impressively, the vast majority of Members appear united on the principle that it is in the interests of the United States to develop a credible strategy for integrating China into the world economy as a responsible power that accepts international political and trading norms. What is at issue is means, not ends; that is, whether granting PNTR advances U.S. interests and values in modern China. In my judgment, approving PNTR for China is in the enlightened self-interest of the people of the United States and of China. It promotes our economic well-being by opening Chinese markets to American goods and services. It advances our interest in a rules-based international trading system by helping to 'lock-in' Chinese reforms, economic restructuring, and a commitment to orderly globalization. China's accession to the WTO, in turn, also paves the way for a long-overdue entry by a democratic Taiwan into the global trading body.”