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.
Engagement is the right policy for encouraging change in China.
Some opponents of Normal Trade Relations with China are concerned, not with these other important issues, but with the trading relationship itself. They point to the United States' expanding trade deficit with China. This trade imbalance is a serious concern to me, as well. But the answer is not to stop trading with China. The answer is to open the Chinese market to U.S. exports.