Before I get into the thrust of my comments, I think we must all once again be reminded that what this debate is really all about is extending normal trading ties with China for another year. Normal Trade Relations, or NTR, does not grant some special benefit to the Chinese. Rather, it simply grants the Chinese the same trading status that the U.S. has with most of the rest of the world.
China is our fourth largest trading partner.
I understand and appreciate the concerns opponents of NTR have with the government of the People's Republic of China. I harbor no illusions about the benevolence of the PRC's leadership. However, I firmly believe that engagement with China offers the best hope for democratic reform there. To my mind, it would be a step backward. Again, I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution and promote, rather than stifle, positive change in China.