It is now up to the Senate to find a way to get these common sense measures to the President's desk for signature. Many members of Congress have advocated a more meaningful engagement with China - one that more actively protects American security and promotes freedom and democracy in China. These are the two main goals by which U.S. policy toward China should be measured. Protecting American security must be the first priority. Turning now to the role trade relations can play within a broad and balanced U.S. policy towards China, it is important to recognize the limits of what trade can accomplish.
Trade is clearly a secondary interest behind protecting American security.
At the same time, trade relations should in some way help advance important American interests in human rights and democracy. At a minimum, trade relations put more Americans on the ground in China to better inform the rest of us on what is happening inside China. While some businessmen may not care about human rights, missionary work, or national security, they at least make those who do care less conspicuous. At best, trade relations put the right kinds of people on the ground in China who will forge relationships of trust with Chinese people, exchange cultural and religious values, and support those who seek to transform China from within. The main goal of U.S. trade relations with China should be to expand the fledgling private sector in order to diminish the role of the state in people's lives.