Bob Dole: “it is now clear that the United States must do the right thing with respect to MFN for China: unconditional extension…”

“it is now clear that the United States must do the right thing with respect to MFN for China: unconditional extension and abandonment of the failed linkage to human rights. The time is past for bluster and threats and feel-good pronouncements. With only days remaining before he must decide, the President should simply make the announcement, immediately if possible, that he will unconditionally extend China's most-favored-nation trade status. He should candidly say what most of us have known for a long time: Tying trade to human rights does not work. The policy has failed, the President should admit it and move on. Too many other issues, important issues including Chinese cooperation with regard to North Korea's nuclear program, are at stake for this charade to continue any longer. Unconditional extension of MFN is the right thing to do. No purpose is served by waiting. Let me say, Mr. President, the Chinese record on human rights is indeed appalling. We all agree that it should improve. But the answer is not to deprive Americans of jobs, and American companies of opportunity in the fastest growing emerging economy in the world by cutting off trade. Even partial extension of MFN--trying to target only the so-called state-run enterprises--will have the same result--China will surely retaliate against United States exports and companies. The policy of tying human rights to trade in China has failed.”