Even Chinese exports to the United States, Roth argued, would help keep inflation down in the United States and would allow American businesses to get the least expensive inputs for their products, thus enhancing their competitive standing. Mr. President, I want to take a few minutes to discuss why permanent normal trade relations with China are of such critical importance to the United States. One of the most remarkable strengths of the economy has been its ability to deliver a rising standard of living and the creation of high-paying jobs.
Trade plays a very critical role in achieving both goals.
In that respect, normalizing our trade relations with China represents a positive step forward for American business, American farmers, American workers, and American consumers. Just let me speak very briefly about security because we will discuss that in greater detail at a later time. Moving ahead with trading relations with China will help promote the rule of law and the acceptance of the way we do business in the international market. This will help strengthen the hands of those who are most interested in promoting the rule of law. So I just want to say, as we discuss the economics of this agreement, that it is also critically important from the standpoint of strengthening those who want to bring China into the international community.