China and PNTR

The Chinese government is looking to get permanent normal trading relations with the United States and, in fact, the western world. Up until now, their trading status was reviewed yearly by the US Congress to determine if it should be extended another year. Here is a government to whom human rights means virtually nothing. They execute prisoners so that can 'harvest' their organs for transplants! A yearly review at least kept them on notice that they actions would come under scrutiny once a year and could affect their trading status.
Now Clinton is pushing for permanent normal trading relations with China. And exactly how does he think this will nudge the Chinese government into improving its human rights record. With permanent status they will do as they please with no consequences as the US Cogress is unlikely to call a congressional session just to revoke their permanent trading status.

All this talk of giving PNTR is due to pressure from US exporters wanting to get their share of the multi-billion dollar Chinese market, BUT at what cost in lives and human suffering.

China's status should be left on an annual review basis to keep their "feet to the fire" with regards to not only human rights in China and Tibet, but to remind themalso to keep their hands of Taiwan as well.

6/26/00
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