On June 4, Senator Abraham reintroduced five specific provisions of his original bill as amendments to the Defense Authorization Act. More amendments probably will be introduced, and other Senators will play important roles in guiding the legislation passed by the House through the Senate. While specific provisions of the legislation are important, the most important message to be heard in the process is that Congress has found an effective legislative strategy which addresses China policy concerns with specific measures that do not jeopardize the entire U.S.-China relationship. President Clinton's choice between supporting his policy of engagement or traveling down the dangerous path of isolation and containment is false. Congress has proven that there is plenty of room for reasonable policy between these two extremes.
Foreign trade helps to expand China's fledgling private sector.
At a minimum, trade relations with China offer Americans opportunities to see firsthand what is happening in China. At best, they offer opportunities to exchange religious or cultural beliefs with the Chinese people in the hope of fostering positive change from within. Target solutions to specific China policy concerns. Maintaining normal trade relations with China does not mean that the United States should sacrifice its own security or stop promoting democracy. In the coming days, the Senate has an opportunity to add substance and meaning to the U.S. policy of engagement with China.