In Nicaragua's case, a primary issue is that of independent economic development. This is quite different, however, than establishing a totalitarian, completely centralized economy. In reality, Sandinista policy since the advent of the revolution has allowed for private property and private enterprise. In fact, Nicaragua's private sector accounts for 80 percent of national production. Compare this with the United States' third largest trading partner Mexico, where 75 to 80 percent of the economy is in the hands of the state.
China also highlights the hypocrisy of U.S. human rights rhetoric.
China, in addition to being considered a counterbalance to Soviet power in that region, represents far too significant a potential market for U.S. businesses to let rhetorical niceties dictate policy. It is a sad commentary that the United States embargoes a country striving for justice and a humane existence and does so under the pretext of national security. The bottom line is that Nicaragua poses no real security threat to the United States. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the U.S.'s actions toward Nicaragua. While the economic price of the embargo is inconsequential for America, it is devastating to the Nicaraguan people.