Hon. Michael G. Oxley: “I rise in support of engagement with China, in support of China MFN, and against the resolution of disapproval. As I…”

“I rise in support of engagement with China, in support of China MFN, and against the resolution of disapproval. As I have said on this floor on other occasions, Ohio is one of America's top exporters of manufactured goods. China is not only the world's most populous country, but also one of the world's most rapidly expanding marketplaces. In fact, Ohio Governor George Voinovich has established a permanent office in Beijing to support the State's commercial interests there. Ohio's farmers, especially the corn and soybean farmers found in my district, are exporting to China and hope to increase their presence in this burgeoning market. Ohio employers such as Whirlpool, the Limited and Harris Corp. have contacted me in support of MFN treatment. Indeed, numerous United States companies have joint ventures in China and are using cooperative efforts to gain access to China and other Asian markets. Mr. Speaker, MFN merely gives China the same trade status possessed by the vast majority of nations. Frankly, the phrase 'most-favored' is something of a misnomer, which opponents of engagement use to distort the nature of our trading relationship with the People's Republic of China. Ending normal trade relations with China would undermine United States economic interests in China and the rest of Asia. It would cost American jobs and sacrifice a great opportunity for American business interests.”