Engagement with China may also improve the chances of getting information to Chinese citizens that is not Chinese government-provided propaganda. Chinese citizens are currently limited in the amount of information they receive from other sources. In addition, the U.S.-China trade agreement could make it easier for U.S. companies to operate in China and to provide jobs to Chinese citizens that may help lift them out of poverty. But there are other troubling aspects of China's behavior that must be addressed as well. The Chinese government has also threatened to invade Taiwan if it does not engage in reunification talks.
China is the world's worst proliferator of ballistic missiles and nuclear and chemical weapons.
According to recent press reports, it continues to aid missile programs in Libya and Pakistan, despite repeated pledges to the United States to adhere to international agreements prohibiting this deadly trade. The bill sponsored by Senator Thompson will help combat Chinese proliferation by imposing economic sanctions on organizations and firms in China that help rogue nations like Libya acquire these sensitive technologies. The Thompson bill should clarify this situation by making it clear to China that it will face economic penalties if it continues to violate its pledges to the United States. And finally, it's important that the Congress take steps to demonstrate U.S. support for our long-standing democratic ally, Taiwan. We should work to ensure Taiwan's entry into WTO and pass the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, which would enhance U.S. military cooperation with that country.