I know as wheat producers you can't wait to start shipping. It's a good first step, and shows their willingness to allow more agriculture imports. But as we begin the legislative fight in earnest, I believe we need to think more about the big picture. Absolutely, the economics of this deal are very good for America. But it goes far beyond that.
China is our most important relationship on all levels, strategic and economic.
And, in my opinion, that will be the case for many years to come. China is a rising world power not to be ignored. And in today's new economy, in today's global economy, we cannot neglect our role as a world leader. Clearly we cannot go back to the old politics of trade that threw up high tariff barriers as the way to deal with global competition. It's a different world out there.