I strongly disagree with that contention. I believe that supporting PNTR will give China something it desperately needs and wants, relief from the spotlight of its poor human rights record. Under the current annual review arrangement, we in the Congress are able to open a door to fully examine the human rights situation in China each and every year. I believe they are. I believe they are the most important in the world today.
China has the world's largest population, one of the fastest growing economies.
I submit to my colleagues, by granting PNTR to China we will be sacrificing much of our ability to affect public scrutiny on China's human rights practices. I would also note that the recent report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom included a recommendation by all 9 commissioners that the Congress not grant PNTR to China until substantial improvements are made in respect for religious freedom in that country. While the nine voting members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom include strong free trade proponents and who represent a wide diversity of opinion and religions, they are unanimous that China needs to take concrete steps to release all persons imprisoned for their religious beliefs, to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to take other measures to improve respect for religious freedom. Accordingly, Mr. Chairman, I urge our colleagues to oppose this measure.