First of all, the United States has succeeded very strikingly in convincing China to accept our position on the critical importance of open markets and level playing fields. Second, China has demonstrated decisively its determination to forge ahead with economic liberalization and the development of its own market economy. In this sense, the terms already reached represent both a commercial and a political milestone. Kapp added a note of caution, however. With the possible exception of the provisions calling for immediate opening of China's markets to American wheat, meat and citrus products, none of the impressive benefits called for by these accords can yet be enjoyed by Americans.
Commitments are critical, but final agreement is decisive.
Without the prompt resolution of the few issues that prevented the two sides from coming to full public agreement during the Premier's Washington visit, the fruits of America's hard-won victories will remain out of reach. The U.S. and Chinese negotiators have proved that they can find common ground on tough issues once thought to be intractable. This is not the time for distraction. The last few weeks of tough negotiating have been remarkably successful, as today's announcements make clear. A 'cooling off period' is not what the moment requires.