Political Quotes

“In the debate on whether to continue normal trade relations with China, the opponents of trade have failed fundamentally to answer one question: What will ending our engagement with China accomplish? It will not improve human rights or political rights on the mainland. It will not benefit American security interests in Asia or stabilize the Pacific rim. It certainly will not improve trade opportunities for American companies and American workers in the world's largest and fastest growing market. Our severing of normal trade relations with China would be the greatest windfall that we would have bestowed on our European competitors since the Marshall plan. American companies would likely lose their favored position in the Chinese market permanently. So what would ending normal trade relations with China achieve? For one thing it would devastate our longtime trading partners in Hong Kong at a sensitive time when they are returning to Chinese sovereignty but seeking to retain their autonomy. Ending MFN would undermine Hong Kong's economy and potentially their liberties as well. Mr. Speaker, the best way for America to influence Chinese society is to pursue a policy of constructive and comprehensive engagement with China utilizing our economic role to leverage reforms that benefit individuals on the mainland.”