Seattle was the symbolic conclusion of a period of several years during which environment and labor moved from the periphery of American trade policy to a role where they can veto trade policy initiatives. Now, these issues must be included at the center of the stage as we consider how to continue to promote international trade. That is where environmental and labor issues rightfully belong. We don't trade just for the sake of trade. Trade must lead to improvements in the quality of life, for Americans and for others around the world.
Environmental concerns deal directly with the quality of life.
So do labor and consumer issues. Trade with a human face. The WTO is not equipped to deal with these issues. You might be asking yourself how I reconcile these very skeptical views of the WTO's future role with my firm commitment to see China accede. Far from it.