CREC-1997-06-24-Pt1-Pgh4257.Pdf
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Ð HOUSE H4257 has become convinced that the annual MFN human rights and civil rights, and we quote Gandhi, ``Noncooperation with process is counterproductive and undermines are wondering in what way we can best evil is as much a duty as is cooperation United States foreign policy interests with re- reach out and change China's current with good.'' We can never forget spect to China. However, the United States policy. The fact is that we recognize Tiananmen Square. Those students has other points of leverage where we can en- that China is a growing power, and bravely stood for democracy, and they courage China's leaders to be responsible ac- there are some things, Mr. Speaker, were slaughtered. I was a student once, tors in the world community. that no matter what we do today in our fighting for what I believed, I was For example, China's leaders will be faced vote, we are not going to change. fighting for a nation free of racism, with many difficult economic reform decisions We are not going to change the fact free of segregation. During the 1960's, in the next several decades; Therefore, rather that China is growing militarily. We some among us were jailed and beaten than devoting attention to MFN, the United are not going to change the fact that during that struggle. Some even died. States should focus on one of the most impor- technologically China is advancing at a Schwerner. Goodman. Chaney. Three tant foreign policy decisions for the United very rapid pace. We are not going to young men gave their lives so that oth- States: China's accession to the World Trade change the fact that China is going to ers could register and vote, so that oth- Organization [WTO]. A good way to maximize have a profound impact on our world in ers could participate in the democratic our trade leverage is embodied in legislation the coming years. process. They did not die in vain. that this Member and the gentleman from Illi- And so, Mr. Speaker, the question be- Now it is the 1990s and China is on nois, Representative TOM EWING recently in- fore us is not how do we stop those the other side of the world from us but troduced. That legislation, the China Market things which we cannot stop, but how their struggle is just as important. Access and Export Opportunities Act, requires do we most influence them? Over the Their lives and their struggle must not China to pledge adherence to the world's last 20 years, China has changed, China be in vain. In a real sense, Mr. Speaker, trade rules and accede to the World Trade Or- has grown, it has become more aware our foreign policy, our trade policy ganization or face ``snap-back'' tariffs on of civil and human rights, and their must be a reflection of our own ideals, goods imported to the United States. It would citizens have demanded more than they our own shared values. induce China's leaders to join the WTO by ever have before. Is it fast enough for What does it profit a great nation, a us? No, it is not. But the fact is, it is eliminating our annual MFN review upon Chi- compassionate and caring people, to that relationship, it is that continued na's membership in the World Trade Organi- close our eyes and look the other way? relationship that gives us the most zation. Alternatively however, the China Mar- As Martin Luther King said, ``There chance to affect China as it inevitably comes a time when a Nation and a peo- ket Access and Export Opportunities Act grows and advances. ple must stand for something or we would require the President to impose realis- Mr. Speaker, we can do a lot from the will fall for anything.'' I feel that the tic, pre-Uruguay Round tariff increasesÐ4±7 outside, demanding and asking for civil spirit of history is upon us. We must percentÐon Chinese imports if the PRC con- and human rights in China. But the make a decision today and it should be tinues to deny United States exporters ade- way it will most change is when the on the right side of history. We must quate market access or if it does not make Chinese people begin to be able to stand with the people who are strug- significant progress to become a member of think, because of prosperity, about gling for freedom, struggling for de- the WTO. something more than where their next mocracy. If we fail to act, no one will The PRC's desire to get into the World meal is coming from and how to meet act. They are our brothers and our sis- Trade Organization represents a historic op- their basic needs. When they begin re- ters. portunity for the United States to level the alizing what is available in other coun- Yes, Mr. Speaker, I believe in trade, playing field for United States companies and tries in terms of their own civil rights free and fair trade, but I do not believe workers wanting to sell their products in and human rights, they will also de- in trade at any price. I ask my col- China. But we should act now. Recent press mand more from within as we are de- leagues on both sides of the aisle, how reports indicate that the PRC's trade nego- manding from without. Please, let us much are we prepared to pay? Are we tiators may be walking away from the currently continue this relationship so that they prepared to sell our souls? Are we pre- unproductive negotiating table. This news is will be able to enjoy the civil and pared to butcher our conscience? Are especially disturbing given that last year's U.S. human rights that we do. we prepared to deny our shared values trade deficit with China was nearly $40 billion Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 of freedom, justice and democracy? and this year's imbalance has risen by 37 per- minutes to the gentleman from Geor- Today I cast my lot with the people in cent Secretary of Commerce, William Daley, gia [Mr. LEWIS], a champion for human the streets, with the students of recently said that ``China remains the only rights throughout the world. Tiananmen Square, and with the peo- major market in the world where U.S. exports Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I yield ple of this country who understand are not growing and this despite significant 30 seconds to the distinguished gen- that a threat to justice anywhere is a economic growth in China.'' tleman from Georgia [Mr. LEWIS]. threat to justice everywhere. The China Market Access and Export Op- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I urge and I beg of my colleagues to portunities Act is a tough but fair approach to I do not propose cutting off relations oppose MFN for China. I thank the gen- China's WTO accession. The Congress should with China, but I simply cannot accept tlewoman from California and the gen- immediately consider this legislation to accel- the situation as it is with China today. tleman from New York for yielding me erate the forces of change that have been un- We cannot stand by while innocent this time. leashed by the PRC's desire to become a part people in China and Tibet are fighting f of the world trade community. Economic and and dying for democracy. Thousands of trade liberalization reforms in China, which this innocent Christians, Muslims, and Bud- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER legislation will promote, not only will reduce dhists are dying in Chinese gulags. Mil- PRO TEMPORE our enormous bilateral trade deficit and benefit lions of Chinese women are not allowed The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. United States workers and consumers, it will to plan their own families. They are LAHOOD). The Chair will remind all also continue to provide the most positive not allowed to make the most basic, persons in the gallery that they are forces of political and social change in China. the most private decisions. The Chi- here as guests of the House and that Mr. Speaker, I urge opposition to nese Government intrudes on families, any manifestation of approval or dis- House Joint Resolution 79. their beliefs, their lives. They are des- approval of proceedings is a violation Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 perate for our help. Yet we do not help. of the House rules. minutes to the gentlewoman from Ken- We continue business as usual. The Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11¤2 tucky [Mrs. NORTHUP]. abuse of human rights continues. And minutes to the gentleman from Texas Mrs. NORTHUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise the United States renews MFN. China [Mr. GREEN]. to speak against the resolution and in will not work with the community of (Mr. GREEN asked and was given behalf of continuing normal trading re- nations to stop nuclear proliferation. permission to revise and extend his re- lationships with China. And the United States renews MFN. marks.) We are all here today for one reason, Business as usual. Trade as usual. Mr. GREEN. I thank the gentleman because we are very concerned about We cannot accept and we must not from California for yielding me this China. We are very concerned about accept what is happening in China. To time. H4258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Ð HOUSE June 24, 1997 Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to happened in the 1960's in America, it the WTO and will be able to agree to the disapproval resolution and I reluc- reminds us too much of what is hap- take on the rights and obligations that tantly do so.