Normalizing trade relations with China

 FOR RELEASE - SEPT 19th
Contact: Rick Hubbard (802) 253-8544

Building and strengthening our relationship with China by normalizing trade relations is in the best long-term interests of the United States for several reasons.

It is the most effective way to further China’s progress with human rights, fair labor standards, and environmental protection.

In order to most effectively discuss these issues of disagreement, we must build a strong relationship with China. This relationship must become broad and comprehensive across all fronts; political, social, cultural and economic, in order to build better understanding, respect and trust between our 2 countries. Mutual understanding, respect and trust will give us the ability to sit down and discuss those issues on which our countries differ.  We cannot effectively work out our differences without talking, and without a strong relationship talk is less possible and less effective.  Establishing normal trade relations with China is simply the most effective way to make progress in China with regard to human rights, fair labor standards, and environmental protection. 

It increases our economic security

Our economic security is dependent on continuing and strengthening our strong economy. The United States economy currently claims 24 cents out of every $1 of world gross domestic product, yet we have only 4.6% of the world’s population.  Our economic success pays the bills; for our families, and for our local, state and federal programs.  To continue this success and to increase living standards both for ourselves and citizens of other countries, we must continue to develop broad long-term trading relationships with these countries. Long term trading relationships require long term investments of capital and development of human relationships.  A stable long term U.S. – China trade relationship is a pre-requisite for making such investments.   

 It strengthens our national security

Our economic security is an important component of our national security.  Failing to normalize trade relations with China, in addition to weakening our economic security, will give China incentive to forge economic ties with other nations to get the goods and services it needs. One such likely alliance is between China and Russia, and indirectly encouraging such an alliance would be very damaging to our future national security.

According to Hubbard, for all of the above reasons, authorizing normal trade relations with the People’s Republic of China is in the best long-term interests of the United States, and Jim Jeffords should support this legislation. [Note: Senator Jeffords voted against this legislation in September of 2000]

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