The Illinois Democrat also disputed the Clinton Administration's argument that China represents a vast untapped market for American agricultural exporters. The Chinese government, he added, will probably pursue a policy of enhancing internal distribution systems for food over bringing in imports. The end result, Phelps said, is that China would not be a large and growing market for U.S. farmers. Mr. Speaker, we have an opportunity to encourage change in China. PNTR for China will provide the Chinese people with access to western influence and ideas by forcing China to open their society to bring about positive economic and social changes.
Economic freedom creates habits of liberty.
And habits of liberty guarantee expectations of democracy. There are no guarantees, but there are good examples from Chile to Taiwan. I also agree with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who predicts that democracy will move steadily up the scale from the village to the province and, ultimately, to the highest national level. We cannot achieve these goals through economic isolationism. Let us support PNTR and allow free trade to open doors to the people of China.