Rick Lazio: “The challenge of defining a relationship with this Asian giant has frustrated American policymakers for over a century.…”

“The challenge of defining a relationship with this Asian giant has frustrated American policymakers for over a century. The issue before us is not the record of the Chinese regime but whether the denial of MFN is the appropriate vehicle for influencing Chinese behavior. Of course, we continue to be troubled by China's human rights abuses, its failure to adhere to intellectual property agreements and its practice of violating international standards of nuclear non-proliferation. But denying MFN will not solve these problems. The denial of MFN will significantly limit our economic interaction with China and in so doing will limit our ability to influence Chinese behavior. To be able to change China, we must maintain a significant and sustained trade relationship. A country the size and strength of the PRC is difficult enough to influence at our current level of trade. To deny MFN would be to eliminate any opportunity to modify Chinese behavior. The most appropriate and effective way to exert influence is through consistent diplomacy and military preparedness.”