We're not worried about this problem. Hong Kong business interests certainly are. This year will be more difficult than previous ones. Whether announcing trade sanctions for copyright infringements or dispensing with them in the case of alleged Chinese sales of nuclear-related equipment to Pakistan, the White House in fact has a much freer hand with China policy than it has had for years. As a result, it is able to take a longer view than many of its critics would like.
Several factors lie behind the greater leverage.
And the failure of right-winger Pat Buchanan's presidential bid meant that the challenge from the sole Republican protectionist with a following had been nullified. The House of Representatives may vote to deny MFN to China, but unless ties with Beijing take another serious turn for the worse, the administration is expected to have more than enough votes to sustain a presidential veto. Even so, the two sides have repeatedly managed to reach last-minute deals in the past. The U.S. pressure only creates difficulties for us. But the Americans say new pirate factories spring up for every one that is closed.