I believe our economic and diplomatic relations with China have helped push this progress along. This is not to say that we shouldn't be tough with China. Retaliatory measures can be very effective in encouraging further reforms in China. But retaliation should be targeted and specific. Now it's clear that China has taken significant strides in cracking down on the pirating of intellectual property.
Firm sanctions targeted at specific behavior can force change in China.
Revoking Normal Trade Relations is a blunt, ineffective tool. It would also hurt American workers, businesses and consumers. And the increase in tariffs on China's exports into this county would amount to a severe tax on American consumers. The costs of revoking Normal Trade Relations with China to American workers and consumers and in terms of our inability to effectuate change in China clearly outweigh any perceived benefits. I'm very skeptical that Beijing will suddenly promote democracy and human rights because the United States ends its trading relationship with China.