Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to permanent normal trade relations with the People's Republic of China. Over the last few months, I have felt that the progress of China on both the social and economic front have evaporated compared to when I was there and what I saw 2 years ago. I see a Chinese retrenchment, I see a clamping down more on social and religious freedom, continuing threats on Taiwan, and again not opening their markets as easily as they should have, until now that we have this big treaty. I think we need to look at their record on religious and social freedoms and their record on Taiwan. Each year I have supported granting normal trade relations with China, and even last year, even though Beijing condoned the stoning of the U.S. embassy. I think we should be concerned when a superpower is willing to reach that level to advance their foreign policy initiatives. China is a great country. Cultural wonders and discoveries by this great nation have benefited mankind for many years, and the people of China should continue to express their individual initiative. But we cannot overlook the tool of moderation that Congress has been able to use by looking at this every year.”