H4234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 divorce decrees or property settlements gentleman from Maryland [Mr. contained in section 402(c) of the Trade Act do not affect the life insurance pay- CUMMINGS], for the bipartisan manner of 1974 recommended by the President to the ments of Federal employees if no bene- in which this legislation has been han- Congress on May 29, 1997, with respect to the ficiary has been named. So the net ef- dled. I am pleased that we could par- People’s Republic of China. fect of current law can punish children ticipate in this Corrections Day in this The SPEAKER pro tempore [Mr. and family members because of the manner and make a correction to legis- LAHOOD]. Pursuant to the order of the benefactor’s failure to designate a new lation in a bipartisan fashion. It shows, House of Monday, June 23, 1997, the beneficiary. first, that the Congress does work; and, gentleman from Illinois [Mr. CRANE], H.R. 1316 could require the Office of second, that the government system and a Member in support of the joint Personnel Management to pay the Fed- does function when we see a problem resolution each will control 1 hour and eral employee’s insurance proceeds in that can be corrected, when we are all 45 minutes. accordance with State domestic rela- rowing in the same direction. The Chair recognizes the gentleman tions orders. This would make sure So I am pleased again for the leader- from Illinois [Mr. CRANE]. that, in the event that no beneficiary ship provided by the gentleman from GENERAL LEAVE had been named, the life insurance ben- Georgia [Mr. COLLINS] in introducing Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- efits are granted to family members this legislation and the bipartisan sup- imous consent that all Members may and children as based on State court port we have had in passing this legis- have 5 legislative days within which to orders. This small change will ensure lation today, bringing it before the revise and extend their remarks and in- that family and children are cared for. House. clude extraneous matter on House I want to thank the chairman and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Joint Resolution 79. ranking member of the subcommittee of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and I want to thank my colleague, the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. objection to the request of the gen- gentleman from Georgia [Mr. COLLINS]. RADANOVICH). Pursuant to the rule, the tleman from Illinois? This is the second bill reported by the previous question is ordered on the There was no objection. corrections committee to be considered amendment recommended by the Com- Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- on the House floor. The first, the nurse mittee on Government Reform and imous consent to yield one-half of my aide training bill, was introduced, Oversight and on the bill. time to the gentleman from California passed by the House and Senate and The question is on the committee [Mr. MATSUI] in opposition to the reso- signed into law in 2 months. amendment in the nature of a sub- lution, and I further ask that he be per- It is the unique quality of the correc- stitute. mitted to yield blocks of time. tions committee that brings these bills The committee amendment in the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there to the floor in a streamlined way. nature of a substitute was agreed to. objection to the request of the gen- The committee works in a bipartisan The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tleman from Illinois? manner. We work with the committee question is on the engrossment and There was no objection. chairs who handle these issues and we third reading of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the are able to forge a consensus among The bill was ordered to be engrossed gentleman from California [Mr. STARK] Members and bring needed improve- and read a third time. in favor of the resolution? ments and changes to the House floor. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. STARK. I am, Mr. Speaker. This legislation before us today enjoys question is on the passage of the bill. I ask unanimous consent that I be strong bipartisan support, and again I The question was taken; and (three- yielded half of the time and that I be commend my colleagues for introduc- fifths having voted in favor thereof) permitted to control that time. ing this improvement to our Nation’s the bill was passed. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there laws. A motion to reconsider was laid on objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to the table. tleman from California? adopt this bill. f There was no objection. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- myself such time as I may consume. GENERAL LEAVE imous consent to yield half of my time I want to address a few issues that Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- to the distinguished gentleman from the gentleman from Florida [Mr. MICA] mous consent that all Members may Kentucky [Mr. BUNNING], and that he spoke on. First of all, I want to thank have 5 legislative days within which to in turn be permitted to control that the chairman for the bipartisan way in revise and extend their remarks on time. which he has worked with myself and H.R. 1316, the bill just passed. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gen- HOYER]. I think it is extremely impor- objection to the request of the gen- tleman from California? tant, the issues that he has brought up. tleman from Florida? There was no objection. And in that spirit of bipartisanship There was no objection. Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I ask which we have shared since I have been f unanimous consent to yield 15 minutes the ranking member, I just want to to the gentleman from New York [Mr. thank the gentleman again for his co- DISAPPROVAL OF MOST-FAVORED- SOLOMON], chairman of the Committee operation, because I know it is a major NATION TREATMENT FOR CHINA on Rules and that he be permitted to issue for the gentleman from Maryland Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant control that time. [Mr. HOYER] and many other people to the order of yesterday, I call up the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there throughout the Nation. joint resolution (H.J. Res. 79) dis- objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, this noncontroversial approving the extension of nondiscrim- tleman from Kentucky? legislation passed the House last year inatory treatment—most-favored-na- There was no objection. as part of the omnibus civil service tion treatment—to the products of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill. That comprehensive legislation People’s Republic of China, and ask for Chair recognizes the gentleman from was not enacted. Therefore, it is appro- its immediate consideration in the Illinois [Mr. CRANE]. priate that we bring forward this bipar- House. Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- tisan bill, and I urge my colleagues on The Clerk read the title of the joint self such time as I may consume. both sides of the aisle to vote favor- resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to ably. The text of House Joint Resolution 79 House Joint Resolution 79 because re- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance is as follows: voking China’s MFN trade status of my time. H.J. RES. 79 would have the effect of severing trade Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- relations between our two countries. self the balance of my time. resentatives of the United States of America in My firm belief is that the free ex- Just in closing, I would like to also Congress assembled, That the Congress does change of commerce and ideas offers thank again our ranking member, the not approve the extension of the authority the best hope we have to project the June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4235 light of freedom into Communist President Lee Teng-Hui of Taiwan in targeted trade sanctions directly China. has said: tied to specific, well substantiated vio- In deciding whether to continue MFN Vigorous economic development leads to lations. The result was an agreement trade treatment for China, we must independent thinking. People hope to be able by the Chinese Government to shut keep two objectives firmly in mind: to fully satisfy their free will and see their down 32 pirate plants and a commit- First, improving the well-being of the rights fully protected. And then demand en- ment to undertake expanded enforce- Chinese people; and, Second, protecting sues for political reform . . . the model of ment drives in regions where violations the U.S. national interests with respect our quiet revolution will eventually take of United States intellectual property hold on the Chinese mainland. to a country that possesses one-fifth of rights are known to be the highest. the world’s population and exploding Clearly China is a special case, but Finally, the unanimous view of lead- economic growth. expanding United States commercial ers in Hong Kong, from Governor Chris This year we have the added respon- relations with China makes Chinese Patten to the respected activist and sibility of ensuring that United States citizens less dependent on the central chairman of the Hong Kong Demo- policy does not undermine the transi- government for their livelihoods and in cratic Party, Martin Lee, is that any tion of Hong Kong from British to Chi- a better position to strive for freedom. reversal in China’s MFN status would nese sovereignty. All would agree some As wealth is distributed throughout strike a devastating blow to the terri- of the world’s most flagrant abuses of Chinese society, so is political power, tory. human rights and violations of reli- away from the central government. In 1996, over 56 percent of China’s ex- gious and political freedom occur in Americans doing business in China ports to the United States and 49 per- China. have contributed to prosperity and at cent of United States exports to China My message today is simple. Change the same time they are continually passed through Hong Kong. Denying is not coming quickly to this huge na- able to transfer the values and ideals of MFN to China would threaten 70,000 tion, but historic advancements are freedom and democracy through direct jobs in Hong Kong. At this extraor- being made. For 20 years after the contacts. dinarily delicate time, the people of Communists seized power in 1949, China While preserving MFN trade status Hong Kong deserve our steady and was largely isolated. This was the era for China offers hope for improving the strong support for renewing China’s of the Great Leap Forward, when 35 welfare of the Chinese people, it is also MFN status. million died of starvation and the Cul- squarely in the United States national Mr. Speaker, we should continue to tural Revolution, which saw hundreds interest. With a fifth of the world’s participate in the dramatic and his- of thousands of Chinese killed in politi- population, China’s emergence as a toric change that is taking place in cal purges and forced internal exile. global power early in the next century China, so we can help shape it in our Since the economic opening of China is a development of immense historical favor and in a way that supports our by Deng Xiaoping in 1980, living condi- significance. Sharing borders with allies in Hong Kong and Taiwan in tions in China have improved vastly. more countries, 14 to be exact, than their struggle to preserve freedom. The To give some perspective, in 1980, 260 any other country in the world, a Reverend Billy Graham, whose son Ned million of China’s 1.2 billion people peaceful China will be key to preserv- labors as a missionary in China, wrote lived in absolute poverty. ing stability in the Asia-Pacific region. last week: b 1100 In order to protect national security I am in favor of doing all we can to In 1993 that figure was reduced by interests into the next century, the strengthen our relationship with China and United States must develop a policy its people. China is rapidly becoming one of about 40 or over 40 percent to $160 mil- the dominant economic and political powers lion. Chinese citizens can now seek out that encourages China to be a friend and a valued trading partner, rather of the world, and I believe it is better to keep their own jobs, move around the coun- China as a friend than to treat it as an ad- try, and discuss political matters, as than an adversary isolated by com- versary. prehensive economic sanctions. Con- long as they do not directly challenge I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on fronting China by revoking MFN would the Government. House Joint Resolution 79. Focusing on freedom of worship for a be interpreted by the Chinese leader- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of moment, the virulently antireligious ship as an act of aggression. This would my time policies of the 1960’s and 1970’s have further strengthen the hand of those in Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, it is my given way to a society that is open in China who oppose further reform, privilege to yield 9 minutes to the gen- large measure to the Christian mes- prompting behavior we seek to avoid. tlewoman from California [Ms. PELOSI], sage. Concerned that a few United If House Joint Resolution 79 were en- who has been a leader on the issue of States Christian organizations are ac- acted into law, relations with the Gov- trying to bring human rights and rea- tively advocating the revocation of ernment of China would deteriorate to sonable policy to China. MFN, a huge coalition of Christian the point that virtually all United Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank missionaries and evangelical groups States influence for the good would be the gentleman for yielding time to me. with years of experience actually serv- lost. United States businesses which Mr. Speaker, I will start by saying ing in China have sent a powerful mes- need a presence in China to support a that we all agree that the United sage to Congress. Their view is that by successful Asian strategy would with- States-China relationship is an impor- severing trade relations in China, it draw. Mirror trade sanctions would tant one, and that we want a brilliant would result in a backlash against the threaten the paychecks of 180,000 U.S. future with the Chinese people, dip- Christian ministry in China, seriously workers whose jobs are directly de- lomatically, culturally, economically, harming their ability to reach the Chi- pendent on exports to China. Our for- politically, and in every way. However, nese people. eign competitors in Japan and Europe the administration’s policy of so-called Many would say today that preserv- would move briskly into the void cre- constructive engagement is neither ing most-favored-nation status puts ated by this bill. constructive nor true engagement. profit ahead of principle. This view- The alternative strategy which I sup- President Clinton has said promoting point contradicts what can be observed port is to maintain trade relations and Democratic freedom, stopping the pro- in the relationship between economic preserve a basis upon which to nego- liferation of weapons of mass destruc- development and the expansion of de- tiate improvements in our relationship tion, and promoting U.S. exports are mocracy. Taiwan, South Korea, Singa- with China. Ambassador Barshefsky’s pillars of our foreign policy. In each of pore, and Hong Kong, to name a few successful resolution of the section 301 these important areas, the administra- Asian tigers, experienced economic case against China for failing to pro- tion’s policy of so-called constructive success and rising living standards tect United States intellectual prop- engagement has not succeeded. In fact, after opening their economies to inter- erty rights illustrates the value of pre- there has been a marked deterioration, national trade. In these countries, the serving normal trade relations. Armed not improvement, under the adminis- elimination of severe poverty and the with the authority to raise tariffs in a tration’s policy. emergence of a middle class came well selective, calibrated manner, Ambas- Certainly, we must have engagement. ahead of democratic political reform. sador Barshefsky threatened $2 billion But I contend that our engagement H4236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 must be sustainable engagement, en- continues to proliferate dangerous human rights in China. Pro-MFN advo- gagement that enables us to sustain weapons of mass destruction tech- cates continue to advance this notion our values, sustain our economic nology to Iran, Libya, Iraq, Syria, and of trickle-down liberty, even though growth, and sustain international secu- other dangerous countries, destabiliz- the facts are to the contrary. Since rity. ing regions of strategic importance to Tiananmen Square, the State Depart- In my remarks this morning, Mr. the United States. The transfer of this ment’s own country reports have been Speaker, I want to debunk three myths technology is a threat to United States dismal on this subject, and its own re- about MFN and trade and human troops based in the Persian Gulf, and a port in 1996, which was released this rights. threat to the security of Israel. We spring of 1997, contains an excellent de- The first myth is that United States- spend billions of dollars to promote the scription of the current state of human China trade is a job-winner for the Middle East peace, and that peace is rights in China, but it is a sad one. United States. This is an out-and-out jeopardized by this export policy on the Mr. Speaker, I would draw Members’ hoax. This year President Clinton stat- part of China, which we are choosing to attention particularly to the state- ed trade with China supports 170,000 ignore. ments in that report that— In the case of Iran, 15,000 service men United States jobs. That is the exact The (Chinese) government continued wide- same number he cited last year. In and women are within range of the C– spread and well-documented human rights 1995, it was 150,000 jobs, in 1994, it was 802 missiles recently transferred by abuses, in violation of internationally ac- 150,000 jobs, in 1993, it was 150,000 jobs. China to Iran. The C–802 batteries will cepted norms, stemming from the authori- This is an economy with 127,850,000 peo- give Iran a weapon of greater range, re- ties’ intolerance of dissent * * *. ple. This represents one-eighth of 1 per- liability, accuracy, and mobility than Overall in 1996, the authorities cent of jobs in America and it is not anything in their current inventory. stepped up efforts to cut off expressions growing, while our trade deficit contin- This missile technology is in addition of protest or criticism. All public dis- to biological and chemical warfare ues to grow. sent against the party and government United States jobs are being lost technologies recently transferred to has been effectively silenced * * * even through the Chinese Government’s Iran from China. those released from prison were kept Mr. Speaker, I want to call to my practices of requiring technology and under tight surveillance and often pre- colleagues’ attention this quote, this production transfer. The Chinese Gov- vented from taking employment or re- cover piece from a report from the Of- suming a normal life. ernment is carefully and calculatingly fice of Naval Intelligence, March 1997. building its own economic future by ac- It states: Mr. Speaker, there is a report on reli- quiring United States technological ex- Discoveries after the gulf war clearly indi- gious persecution which the adminis- pertise. It allows into China only the cate that Iraq maintained an aggressive tration is sitting on until after this goods it wants, and then through man- weapons of mass destruction procurement vote, which documents the violations datory certification of the technology program. A similar situation exists in Iran, of religions of the Buddhists, Catholics, by Chinese research and design insti- with a steady flow of materials and tech- Christians, Muslims, and the people of tutes, the technology is disseminated nologies from China to Iran. This exchange Tibet. to Chinese domestic ventures. Not only is one of the most active weapons of mass de- On MFN, the debate today is nec- struction programs in the Third World and is does this practice not benefit U.S. taking place in a region of great strategic in- essary because the administration has workers who are left behind as the terest to the United States. refused to use the tools at its disposal, companies lose their own market In terms of Pakistan, the administra- and because the Chinese ship one-third share, but we are surrendering our own tion continues to turn a blind eye on of their exports to the United States, technology in the meantime. China’s proliferation of missiles to while allowing only 2 percent of our As a condition of doing business in Pakistan. For 5 years the CIA has been products into China. We have leverage. China, United States companies are carefully tracking the flow of China’s The Chinese regime cannot take their often required to agree to export 70 to M–11 missile components to Pakistan. business elsewhere. One-third of all of 80 percent of their production there. The agency, the CIA, concluded that their exports cannot find another mar- This, too, translates into a loss of U.S. not only is China selling missiles, but ket. jobs. it is also helping Pakistan build a fac- A vote for MFN today is a vote of In the realm of intellectual property tory to manufacture them. For the confidence in a failing policy. Opposing piracy, as Members know, despite the CIA, uncovering the plant represented MFN says that you believe that the agreement the piracy is rampant, to a ‘‘first-class piece of spying,’’ says a status quo is not acceptable. Instead, the cost of $2.6 billion in 1996 alone. senior agency official, but because it we must have a policy of sustainable And that is not even figured into the does not want to disrupt the so-called engagement with China, engagement huge trade deficit, which is projected improving relationship, the Clinton ad- which makes the trade fairer, the to be $53 billion this year. ministration does not want to deal world safer, and the people freer. I urge Others say that the jobs that are cre- with this secret. my colleagues to oppose MFN by vot- ated in the United States are in the The CIA also turned up evidence that ing ‘‘yes’’ on House Joint Resolution production here that goes to China for Beijing was reneging again on its 79. assembly. Not so. Do not take my promise not to spread these missiles b 1115 word, but the word of Ken Lodge, the into Pakistan. The agency maintains a manager of Hewlett-Packard’s Beijing vast network of informants in Asia Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, will the subsidiary, when he says, ‘‘Over time, who report on the movement of these gentlewoman yield? the use of North American suppliers weapons into the region. Last summer Ms. PELOSI. I yield to the gentleman will be turned off.’’ the CIA concluded that China had de- from California. Experts tell us our intellectual prop- livered to Pakistan not just missile Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I just want erty is our competitive advantage. We parts, but also more than 30 ready-to- to see if there is not one other myth. see what the Chinese are doing to our launch M–11’s that are stored in There has been a myth that we have a intellectual property. It is estimated cannisters at Sargodha Air Force base different policy for Cuba than we do for that 97 percent of the entertainment west of Lahore. China. But I do not think that is true, software available in China is counter- There is more on this I will submit because I think the President contin- feit. It is interesting that since 1996, for the RECORD, but other agencies of ues to deny medicine and food to the Chinese capacity to produce pirated the intelligence community have all children in Cuba at the same time that products has increased dramatically. In agreed on a Statement of Fact: A top the President countenances children conclusion, the United States-China secret document that has recently been who are selected for starvation in trade relationship is a job loser for the in the press that concludes that China China. So I see a very consistent policy American worker. is helping to build this missile tech- in our administration toward both Second, China is halting its prolifera- nology. Cuba and China, and that is to ignore tion of weapons of mass destruction, The third myth to debunk, Mr. the plight of children in both of those myth No. 2. The truth is that China Speaker, is that trade is improving countries. June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4237 Mr. Speaker, would the gentlewoman tion that is vibrant, a nation that is The Chinese Government is engaged agree? colorful, a nation that is on the move. in a massive expansion of its own mili- Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I would I saw people who were demanding, mil- tary machine, taking up where the So- agree. I want to emphasize that we are lions and millions of people demanding viet Union left off, using the profits not advocating an embargo on China to be part of the marketplace. from trade with us to pay for it. The but threat of increased tariffs. Mr. Speaker, China is emerging. Chinese Government is engaged in bru- Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 China is going to be a power. We have tal suppression of human rights at minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- a duty here in this body to make sure home. Evangelical Protestants and necticut [Mrs. KENNELLY], who has we are an influence on China. We can- Catholics who choose to worship inde- been a leader on welfare reform, tax not withdraw from this debate. We can- pendently of state-sanctioned churches policy, trade policy, and health care. not withdraw from China. Mr. Speaker, are harassed and in prison. The Chinese Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. Mr. we might not like what is going on in Government continues its brutal re- Speaker, I rise in opposition to House all ways and aspects, but, Mr. Speaker, pression of the religion, people and cul- Joint Resesolution 79 and speak in we have a duty to influence China. ture of Tibet; slave labor, prison favor of our normal trading relation- Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield camps, forced abortions. If the govern- ship with the People’s Republic of myself such time as I may consume. ment of China were any more engaged, China. Today’s debate will have a com- (Mr. BUNNING asked and was given the people of China simply would not plexity that goes far beyond what is in permission to revise and extend his re- be able to take it. front of us, trade and emigration. On marks and to include extraneous mate- Nobody really disputes any of this. both sides, economic, political, strate- rial.) The big question is, what do we do gic, and humanitarian differences Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in about it? No one believes that simply abound, and yet we have allowed this support of House Joint Resolution 79, denying most-favored-nation status is one issue, most-favored-nation status, the resolution of disapproval. We going to solve everything. Let us be to be a referendum on U.S.-China rela- should definitely deny most-favored- honest about it. Denying MFN might tionship. nation trading status to China. The de- not solve anything. But I do know that, It has become the lens through which bate today is not just about China and if we believe in human rights, if we be- most Americans look and view the en- the Chinese Government and its failure lieve in human decency, we must re- tire United States-China policy. Mr. to live up to accepted standards of civ- spond somehow. We cannot allow such Speaker, this is indeed unfortunate, be- ilized nations. This debate is also about abysmal treatment and such callous cause not only is China the largest our own country, about what we are disregard for human rights to go unno- emerging market in the world, it is willing to stand up for. This debate is ticed or unanswered. also a potent political and military about principles, human rights, human Denying MFN might not be a great force. China’s new leadership will decency. This debate today is about answer, but it is the only one we have shape, whether we like it or not, for whether or not we as a Nation put at hand today. We have to send a very better or worse, what happens in the trade before people and profits above strong message, even if it is a weak Pacific rim, from Indonesia to Korea, principles. Where do we start a debate one; we have to stand for something, from Australia to Japan, the course of like this? Since the President initiated even if it is imperfect. And MFN is the events will be influenced daily by the recommendation to renew most-fa- only game in town. China. vored-nation trade status for China, let This debate is not really that hard So we must influence what happens us start with his own State Depart- for the American people. In a poll in China. We will undermine our abil- ment’s findings. taken by the Wall Street Journal and ity to shape not only our future but In the country report on human NBC news on June 10, it was discovered China’s future if we withdraw from this rights for 1996, the State Department that 67 percent of American adults be- situation. Without our influence, how said, and I quote, the Chinese Govern- lieve that the United States should de- will democratic values come to be ac- ment continued to commit widespread mand improvement in Chinese human cepted in China? Without our example, and well-documented human rights rights policy before granting an exten- how will dissent come to be tolerated? abuses in violation of internationally sion of MFN trading status to China. If Without our presence, how will reli- accepted norms, stemming from the Members choose today to oppose this gious liberties come to exist, without authority’s intolerance of dissent, fear resolution, if they choose today to vote for renewal of MFN, they have to first our active engage? How will human of unrest and the absence or inadequa- ignore the pain of the Chinese people rights come to be respected? To the ex- cies of laws protecting the basic free- and then they have to ignore the opin- tent the United States has been a posi- doms, unquote. It starts out pretty bad ion of the American people. tive influence on China, it is because and things go downhill from there. Please do not put profits over prin- The supporters of MFN for China in- we have been there. We have been on ciple, vote for the resolution of dis- sist that we must stay engaged with the ground. We have been there to dem- approval. onstrate to people who have been iso- China. We must be patient and engage Mr. Speaker, I include for the lated from the world that there is an- China through continued trade. They RECORD the following: will also be bringing up Hong Kong and other way. U.S. IS FINANCING CHINA’S WAR PLAN And just as surely, Mr. Speaker, if we the Chinese takeover on July 1 as a (By Timothy W. Maier) isolate China, so the Chinese people reason to stay engaged. From where I Recent intelligence reports obtained by In- will lose, because they have benefited sit, China is a little too engaged al- sight indicate China’s People’s Liberation from a more open market, from expo- ready. It is engaged in transferring Army is picking up where the Soviets left sure to cultural and ideological dif- dangerous technology, enabling rogue off, moving to create a military leviathan ferences, from experience with Western nations to develop weapons of mass de- designed for fighting in the South China Sea business with better working condi- struction. and built to destroy U.S. ships and aircraft. tions. There is no debate here today The Chinese Government is engaged The Red Chinese are using the U.S. bond in providing Iran’s advanced missile market to finance their military expansion. whether we must continue to highlight China is making a statement in the Pacific human rights abuses or point out that and chemical weapons technology, pro- that threatens several of America’s most im- China will never be the world leader viding Iraq and Libya materials to portant allies and could force a showdown that it so craves to be if it continues to produce nuclear weapons. It is engaged with the United States. The Red Chinese persecute its own people. Of course we in providing missile related compo- plan, say U.S. intelligence sources, is to ex- must debate this. The debate though is nents to Syria and providing Paki- pand its military hegemony to dominate how best to do it. stan’s advanced missile and nuclear trade in the South China Sea. It’s called My answer is, we do it best by engag- weapons technology. It is engaged in ‘‘power projection,’’ and Pentagon officials, ing with the Chinese, not from with- selling over $1.2 billion in arms to the China experts and senior intelligence spe- cialists privately are saying that it could drawing from them. Change is occur- military rulers of Burma. How much erupt in bloodshed on the water. ring in China. Mr. Speaker, I was there engagement do we need? But it does These experts say the United States is fac- earlier this year. I saw a nation, a na- not stop here. There is much more. ing a multibillion-dollar military threat. H4238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 And, to complicate matters, it is being sub- In April, the House Intelligence Committee United States. In light of the blow that the sidized by the U.S. bond market, senior na- released a Department of Defense report U.S. military might have delivered even 15 tional-security officials tell Insight. It is called ‘‘Selected Military Capabilities of the years ago, say defense experts, that hardly is money from American pension funds, insur- People’s Republic of China’’ which highlights comforting. And, Waldron says, this can be a ance companies and securities that may similar concerns. The report claims China dangerous presumption because history indi- never be paid back. has focused on developing nuclear-weapons cates it didn’t stop Japan in 1941 or Saddam China’s plan is militarily to dominate the systems and advanced intelligence, surveil- Hussein during the Persian Gulf War. In 1994, first tier of islands to the west of Japan and lance and reconnaissance capabilities to ‘‘de- a war game at the Naval War College concep- the Philippines and then project its force to velop a capability to fight short-duration, tualized a sea battle between the U.S. Navy the next ‘‘island tier,’’ leaving America’s high-intensity wars in the region’’ and defeat and the PLA navy off of China’s shores in the most important allies in the Pacific sur- the U.S. Navy. year 2010. The battle hypothesized that rounded by the Chinese military and, short The report concludes that China will have China continued to acquire military tech- of nuclear war, defenseless. the capacity ‘‘to produce as many as 1,000 nology at a rapid pace. The game, which Foreign diplomats tell Insight the move new [ballistic] missiles within the next dec- Pentagon officials have refused to talk toward the second tier started two years ago ade’’ and is developing land-attack cruise about, ended with a PLA victory, according when China’s People’s Liberation Army, or missiles as a high priority for strategic war- to reports in Navy Times. PLA, set up command posts on uninhabited fare. ‘‘The U.S. Navy is very angry at the Clin- islands near the Philippines. ‘‘They are A naval-intelligence report released in ton administration for not taking a more ro- drawing their line, basically saying this area February warned of Beijing’s emphasis on bust approach,’’ Waldron says. ‘‘We should is Chinese territory,’’ a Philippine diplomat obtaining a sophisticated blue-water navy pay a lot more attention. It’s a great mis- who is monitoring Chinese military move- technology to achieve four objectives: First, take to think a country with a military only ments warns. safeguard what the PRC calls China’s terri- comparable to ours will not attack. I worry An ancillary motive behind China’s plan to torial integrity and national unity—this in- very much about what China will do.’’ expand its military hegemony by more than cludes China’s claim over Taiwan; second, China analysts and national-security offi- 1,000 miles to the southern part of the South conduct a possible blockade of Taiwan; third, cials say the operating officer at the heart of China Sea, say regional experts, revolves defeat seaborne invasions; and fourth, create Beijing’s master plan to seize hegemony over around the Spratly Islands, believed to be intercontinental nuclear retaliatory forces. Taiwan, Japan, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Saipan, rich in oil and natural gas. Countries already Meanwhile, two Red Chinese fleets patrol the Guam and the Philippines is Wang Jun— claiming part of the Spratlys include Tai- area—one within 20 nautical miles of the Clinton’s Feb. 6, 1996, coffee-klatsch guest wan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam. coast targeting the first tier of islands, and who has taken advantage of corporate greed In addition, China has shown interest in another patrolling the outer reaches of the by persuading American investors to pour Guam and a set of islands north of the East China Sea in the area of the Taiwan billions of dollars into joint-venture projects Spratlys, which Japan claims. A further tar- Strait, the February report says. that allow Wang to tap into the U.S. bond get, says the Philippine diplomat, is control In a country with nuclear attack sub- market, borrowing millions from American of the Kalayaan Island group, dominating marines, this could mean trouble. Also, mutual funds, pension funds and insurance the supply routes to the Philippines and im- China possesses accurate and stealthy ballis- companies to support the war chest. portant logistically to resupply other is- tic and cruise missiles with multiple war- Wang chairs both PolyTechnologies, or lands. heads—some of which are aimed at Los An- Poly, the arms-trading company of the PLA, ‘‘They are setting the building blocks to geles and either Alaska or Hawaii, according and China International Trust and Invest- eventually make that power projection,’’ to U.S. intelligence officials. China’s force- ment Corp., or CITIC, a $23 billion financial says the diplomat, who asked not to be projection plans also include building mod- conglomerate that Wang says is run by Chi- named. ‘‘These are the building blocks for ern aircraft carriers. na’s government, or State Council. His dual controlling the sea lines on which all the The architect behind this buildup, say control of CITIC and Poly (the PLA company countries in the region such as Taiwan and Western intelligence sources, is the Soviet- caught last year allegedly smuggling 2,000 Japan rely for economic vitality. The Chi- educated Chinese navy commander, Gen. Liu AK–47 assault rifles to U.S. street gangs) nese want to constrict trade to break Taiwan Huaqing, 79, a hardliner whose family is re- makes it difficult for American firms to and Japan be being able to cut off the oil ported to be heavily involved in inter- know whose hand they are shaking. ‘‘He’s a supply. While they may not be a direct national power-projection through trade master of muddying the waters,’’ says James threat to the U.S., they are more than with the West in the manner of V.I. Lenin’s Mulvenon, a China researcher at California- enough of a threat to smaller weaker coun- New Economic Plan. To China’s neighbors based Rand Corp. ‘‘American companies are tries including ourselves and Japan. . . . The Liu is the ‘‘power broker who calls the playing a shell game.’’ U.S. has done nothing because there is no tunes,’’ which fits with the widespread opin- Not surprisingly, CITIC officially has con- blood on the water—yet.’’ ion among security experts that the PLA is trolled Poly. The relationship dates back to A Japan Embassy official, who spoke for the power behind the Chinese government. 1984 when the PLA created Poly for arms the record but asked not to be named, says Former Time journalists Ross Munro and trading and structured it under the owner- Japan has no intention of surrendering Richard Bernstein claim in their recently ship of CITIC in part to conceal Poly’s link claims to its islands in the region. ‘‘It is published book, ‘‘The Coming Conflict With to the PLA, according to Western analysts. clear the islands [Beijing wants] belong to China’’, that Beijing’s primary objective is Wang is the son of Red China’s late vice us,’’ the official says, adding that if China to become ‘‘the paramount power in Asia’’ president and Long March veteran Wang moves in this way Japan expects the U.S. to by tapping U.S. technology and using Rus- Zhen. The president of Poly is Maj. Gen. He intervene. ‘‘We have been watching China’s sian military experts. The authors contend Ping, son-in-law of the late Deng Xiaoping. A military very closely,’’ says the official. China has proceeded in its plan with the help former defense expert for the Chinese Em- Arthur Waldron, a China strategy expert at of about 10,000 Russian scientists and techni- bassy in Washington, He Ping is director of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, cians—some of them in China and others PLA arms procurement and chairs CITIC- says China has wanted to reclaim the South communicating through the Internet. Shanghai. A second major subsidiary of China Sea since 1950, but placed that mission Though some of this is official, the Russian CITIC is CITIC-Pacific in Hong Kong, on the back burner because it was trying to government is known to be sharing some chaired by Rong Yung, son of China’s vice defend itself from a possible Soviet invasion. very sophisticated weapons technology to as- president, Rong Yiren, who founded CITIC. Most of China’s troops were deployed along sist the PLA, not all of it is. ‘‘The Russian In short, this is a high-level operation of the the Soviet border or near Tibet and Vietnam, military-industrial complex, staffed by some Beijing government directly connected to countries that were armed by Moscow. But of the world’s best (suddenly underemployed the men in charge. now that the Russian threat has been greatly and underpaid) minds in military tech- With the help of CITIC-Beijing, He Ping en- reduced, Beijing strategically has revised its nology, is so corrupt and so desperate for gineered the billion-dollar sale of Chinese military strategy and reorganized the PLA cash that everything seems to be for sale,’’ arms that included missiles to Saudi Arabia aggressively to pursue its maritime expan- Munro and Bernstein write. ‘‘In 1995, for ex- and short-range cruise missiles to Iran dur- sion mission, as was evident last year when ample, there were reports that Chinese ing the mid-1980s. That deal was assisted by Red Chinese missiles were fired over Taiwan agents, paying bribes to staff members of a the government-controlled China Northern as a means of intimidating both Taipei and Russian base near Vladisvostok, obtained Industrial Corp., or Norinco, which now is Washington. truckloads of plans and technical documents under investigation in the West for selling ‘‘I think it’s absolutely delusionary to for Russia’s two most advanced attack heli- chemical-weapons materials to Iran for think they can achieve that goal by military copters.’’ The Chinese since have obtained weapons of mass destruction, according to force, but for us not to take China’s military intact nuclear weapons from Russia, accord- April testimony before a Senate Govern- seriously is extremely dangerous,’’ Waldron ing to intelligence reports. mental subpanel. China’s sale of nuclear and warns. ‘‘That is exactly what the Chinese Adm. Joseph W. Prueher, chief of the U.S. chemical weapons to the Middle East all are want us to do. This is such a very dangerous Pacific Command, testified before a House part of a strategic plan to spread out deploy- situation that [protection of the South National Security Committee in March that ment of the U.S. Navy so the PLA can con- China Sea] should be negotiated and settled China is not yet a threat because its mili- centrate on the South China Sea, according by all the parties concerned.’’ tary is about 15 years behind that of the to intelligence and diplomatic officials. June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4239 But take Wang’s word for it, he is far re- March 24). Many of those PLA enterprises What is the link? For one, the Wall Street moved from Poly, according to a rare and ex- are losing money and in essence promoting Journal recently reported that the Bank of clusive interview he gave to the Washington corruption in the ranks, says Bickford, as China transferred hundreds of thousands of Post. The Post did not question Wang’s as- some PLA business operatives personally are dollars in $50,000 and $100,000 increments to sertion that he only spend 5 percent of his pocketing profits to purchase luxury cars or Clinton friend Charlie Trie in 1995–96. Trie time with Poly. But Mulvenon, who is re- resorts, while others are fully engaged in and Harold Green, another Clinton friend searching the PLA empire, laughs at that es- smuggling operations. ‘‘The corruption is so who assisted Wang with getting security timate. ‘‘It is more likely 15 to 20 percent,’’ high it goes all the way up to the generals,’’ clearance, dumped similar amounts of cash he says. And some defense-intelligence Bickford says. ‘‘That gives you an idea how into the Democratic National Committee sources tell Insight CITIC is so closely much rot exists.’’ and Clinton’s legal defense fund shortly after linked to the PLA that professional observ- Where large profits from PLA companies Wang was permitted access to the president. ers have little doubt that the PLA is calling do occur, much goes toward purchasing food John N. Stafford, chief judge of the Depart- the shots. and housing for some 3.2 million Red troops, ment of Interior in the Reagan administra- Wang’s ability to mask Poly by show-cas- says Bickford. This suggests the bond mar- tion who publishes a highly respected na- ing CITIC has paid off handsomely for his ket may play a bigger role for the PLA than tional investment newsletter, says the rel- other enterprises on behalf of Beijing’s war most people expect because that money ative ease with which China can tap into the plans. In particular, the U.S. bond market could be going to support a defense budget U.S. bond market by using intermediaries already has been an attractive target for the U.S. government claims to be as high as such as the Bank of China is based largely on CITIC to the tune of $800 million in borrow- $26.1 billion a year. And Munro and Bernstein American greed. Stafford says businessmen ing. That, of course, begs the question: Why claim it really is about $87 billion a year are following the lead of Henry Kissinger and is the high-level Beijing operative Wang Jun when profits from PLA businesses are cal- Alexander Haig who are players in U.S.- allowed to borrow huge sums from Ameri- culated in the total. China trade (see ‘‘Lion Dancing With cans when President Clinton says it is Deeply concerned about all of this, Robin- Wolves,’’ April 21). ‘‘clearly inappropriate’’ even to meet with son advocates creating a nondisruptive na- Stafford says, ‘‘We are providing funding this PLA arms dealer? The White House tional-security screening process to help the for our own self-destruction, especially when assures that questionable visitors such as Securities and Exchange Commission iden- money is being used to facilitate efforts to Wang no longer will have access to the presi- tify and exclude PRC fund-raising operations build up China’s military and provide weap- dent because FBI and National Security disguised as business ventures. The process ons of mass destruction to known terrorist Council background checks now will expose would be similar to security checks now con- countries and sworn enemies of the U.S.’’ A them in advance. Yet, there is no national- ducted at the White House, or the seven-day onetime supporter of Robert Kennedy and security screening of foreign borrowers in waiting period for a background review re- Scoop Jackson, Stafford turned his support U.S. securities markets from which huge quired to purchase a handgun. He says it to the Republican Party because he says sums are being allowed to float into China’s would weed out dangerous foreign business under President Carter the Democrats gut- war chest. partners such as PLA gunrunning companies ted national security and had a dismal eco- Sound incredible? A new booked called and the Russian Mafia. nomic record. He compares China’s activity Dragonstrike: The Millennium War, by Brit- ‘‘Russia thinks the water is fine,’’ Robin- in the bond market to Soviet operations dur- ish Broadcasting Corp. and Financial Times son says. ‘‘They are going to have as many ing the Cold War, when he says the USSR di- journalists Humphrey Hawksley and Simon as 10 to 12 bond offerings in the next 18 verted billions of dollars of borrowed West- Holberton, presents a scenario on how the months—and some of those might involve or- ern funds to support military activities con- Red Chinese military might manipulate the ganized crime. So there is every reason to be trary to U.S. interests. international financial market to raise cap- concerned because there might be bad actors ‘‘This is a replay of Russia in the mid-sev- ital. It’s what Roger Robinson, former senior among the Russian bond offering. We don’t enties,’’ he says. ‘‘This is business vs. na- director of International Economic Affairs want terrorists, drug dealers, an organized tional security. It is a case where money is at the National Security Council, warns al- criminal syndicate, gun smugglers or na- more important than human rights. Lenin ready is happening. Robinson, described by tional military establishments borrowing on was right when he said the capitalists will President Reagan as ‘‘the architect of a secu- the U.S. securities markets with impunity.’’ sell us the rope with which we will hang rity-minded and cohesive U.S. East-West Bickford says Robinson’s solution would them. That’s what is happening here.’’ economic policy,’’ claims that these enor- ‘‘catch the obvious’’ PLA players, but it mous sums may never be paid back. won’t stop all the diverting of money to the [From the Wall Street Journal June 10, 1997] ‘‘This is cash on the barrel,’’ Robinson military because many of the PLA enter- says. ‘‘This totally undisciplined cash with prises have joint ventures with Chinese gov- CHINA CLASH no questions asked concerning the purpose ernment-controlled companies—making it Question: Should we maintain good trade for the loans. This could be used to fund sup- nearly impossible to track the bad seed. relations with China despite disagreements plier credits, strategic modernization, mis- ‘‘The PLA businesses are very good about over human rights, or demand that China siles to rogue states like Iran and to finance hiding themselves,’’ Bickford warns. improve its human rights policies if it wants espionage, technology theft and other activi- But Robinson says the National Security to continue to enjoy its current trade status ties harmful to U.S. securities interests.’’ Council knows who the bad actors are and with the United States? Some of the bond money ‘‘undeniably’’ is could effectively knock out the threat. ‘‘We Percentages of groups saying the U.S. supporting PLA enterprises, says Orville need to get national security back in the pic- should first demand improvement in human Schell, a China expert who is dean of the ture,’’ Robinson insists. ‘‘We are not trying rights policies. journalism school at the University of Cali- to discourage investing in the market, but All adults, 67 percent. fornia at Berkeley. Schell says that’s be- this is too fertile a territory for potential Men, 63 percent. cause ‘‘there is no division between govern- abuse. We just need to get additional protec- Women, 70 percent. ment and business’’ in the PRC, making it tion for the American investment commu- Age 35–49, 64 percent. nearly impossible to distinguish PLA compa- nity via U.S. intelligence in a secure, non- Age 65+, 72 percent. nies from government-controlled companies. disruptive manner.’’ Under $20,000 income, 76 percent. ‘‘It means China is going to be exporting and Robinson has uncovered $6.75 billion in Over $50,000 income, 63 percent. docking at facilities in Long Beach [Calif.]’’ Chinese government-controlled bonds floated Democrats, 73 percent. at the former U.S. Navy base there, notes on the U.S. and international securities mar- Republicans, 61 percent. Schell in reference to what some regard as a kets between September 1989 and December military concession to go along with its ac- 1996. China also has placed $17.2 billion in U.S.-CHINA TRADE: THE STATUS QUO quisition of control of ports at both ends of bonds with Japan. About 65 percent of the 1996 trade deficit: $40 billion. the Panama Canal. ‘‘It means China is going U.S. money, or $4.4 billion, was issued to the 1997 trade deficit: $53 billion. to be buying U.S. companies. It is going to PRC, the Bank of China and Wang’s CITIC. be doing all of the things that everyone else The PRC raised $2.7 billion on six bond issues TARIFFS does. Whether it is a security risk depends from October 1993 to July 1996. The Bank of Average U.S. MFN tariff on Chinese goods: on your assessment of China,’’ says Schell. China raised $850 million on four bond issues 2 percent. ‘‘But one thing for sure. China is the most from October 1992 to March 1994. CITIC Average Chinese MFN tariff on U.S. goods: unsettled country in Asia.’’ raised $800 million on five bond issues from 35 percent. Thomas J. Bickford, a PLA expert and po- March 1993 to October 1994. EXPORTS litical-science professor at the University Robinson says all three areas could be sus- Percent of U.S. Exports allowed into Wisconsin at Oshkosh says accessing the pect: The PRC because that money could go China: 1.7 percent. U.S. bond market is just one way the PLA anywhere, Wang because of his direct link to Percent of Chinese Exports to the U.S.: 33 can rise the money to purchase the most the PLA and the Bank of China—a company percent. modern military equipment. ‘‘But it’s not in that has flooded the Washington radio mar- just the bond market, it’s also in consumer ket with an advertising and public-relations JOBS sales,’’ with 10,000 to 20,000 companies, he campaign—because it now has been directly Chinese jobs supported by U.S. trade: says (see ‘‘PLA Espionage Means Business,’’ linked into the Clinton fund-raising scandal. 10,000,000. H4240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 U.S. jobs supported by Chinese trade: ments with tanks and with bullets in the er of 40 Evangelical churches, MFN has 170,000. back of the head. We can also agree that brought no benefits. He has been arrested TRADE GROWTH those Christians directly involved in work in four times for spreading the Gospel. The last China are not necessarily the ones to lead time he was jailed, his fingers were broken Exports to China have grown: 3 times. the fight against MFN. They may be too with pliers. While Vice President Gore was Imports from China have grown: 13 times. close to the situation for prudence or safety preparing to visit Beijing in March, Chinese to permit open opposition to the regime. secret police invaded the apartment of CHINA’S PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS But the letters make other arguments. Roman Catholic Bishop Fan Zhongliang in DESTRUCTION They suggest that a forceful response by the Shanghai, seizing Bibles and other religious The Chinese government is engaged in United States government to what everyone articles. The move against the nation’s high- transferring dangerous technology enabling acknowledges is an appalling Chinese gov- est Catholic prelate was clearly intended to rogue nations to develop weapons of mass de- ernment record would be counter-productive. intimidate millions of faithful Chinese struction, including: providing to Iran ad- We cannot accept those arguments. As deep- Catholics. MFN has only made the Chinese vanced missile and chemical weapons tech- ly as we respect Christian missionaries in police more efficient in denying basic human nology; providing to Iraq and Libya mate- China and throughout the world, we must rights to Bishop Fan and his flock. rials to produce nuclear weapons; providing disagree with a policy which allows China’s President Clinton’s 1994 ‘‘delinking’’ of missile-related components to Syria; provid- rulers to manipulate the United States of trade and human rights concerns has actu- ing to Pakistan advanced missile and nu- America simply by threatening reprisals ally increased repression in China. Now, even clear weapons technology; and selling over against these innocent, godly people. It is a if missionaries plant churches, the Chinese $1.2 billion in arms to the military rulers of form of hostage-taking. secret police can disrupt them. This view is Burma. For the U.S. to surrender to such threats affirmed by New York Times editor A.M. would be to assure that Beijing will use Rosenthal. He has written: THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT’S VIOLATIONS OF threats whenever Americans cry out against ‘‘Knowing Washington would not endanger HUMAN RIGHTS the cruelty and injustice of the communist trade with China, even though it is mountainously in China’s favor, Beijing in- The State Department’s ‘‘Country Reports Chinese regime. Should we all keep silent creased political oppression in China and on Human Rights for 1996’’, states that ‘‘The about China’s massive campaign of forced Tibet—and its sales of missiles, nuclear ma- (Chinese) Government continued to commit abortions and compulsory sterilizations? terial and chemical weaponry.’’ widespread and well-documented human Should we avoid criticizing China’s use of slave labor in the Laogai? Should we turn Rosenthal refers to the president as rights abuses, in violation of internationally Beijing’s ‘‘prisoner.’’ Let us assure, by our accepted norms, stemming from the authori- aside from China’s latest violations of chem- ical weapons agreements, including ship- steadfastness, that the rest of us do not wear ties’ intolerance of dissent, fear of unrest, such chains. ment to Iran of poison gas? Is the United and the absence of inadequacy of laws pro- From the beginning of this debate, we have States truly the leader of the Free World? Or tecting basic freedoms.’’ recognize that the argument over MFN is are we merely the ‘‘moneybag democracy’’ The report also notes that: ‘‘Overall in not just about what kind of country China is, the Chinese rulers contemptuously call us? 1996, the authorities stepped up efforts to cut it is also a dispute about what kind of coun- There is a real danger that the arguments off expressions of protest or criticism. All try America is. We believe Americans have a made by some U.S.-based missions may be public dissent against the party and govern- moral obligation to stand up for human seized upon by those whose only interest in ment was effectively silenced by intimida- rights, for the rule of law and for the rights China is profits. Some multi-national cor- tion, exile, the imposition of prison terms, of workers. We know, from long and tragic porations have allowed the brutal Chinese administrative detention, or house arrest. experience in this blood-stained century, birth control policies to be run in their fac- No dissidents were known to be active at that a regime which brutalizes its own peo- tories. Some have also accommodated Chi- year’s end. Even those released from prison ple is virtually certain to threaten its neigh- nese repression by banning religion in the were kept under tight surveillance and often bors. workplace. And some have exploited prison prevented from taking employment or other- Sincerely yours, wise resuming a normal life.’’ (emphasis laborers. We wholeheartedly support missions Gary L. Bauer, President, Family Re- added). search Council; Ralph E. Reed, Execu- Since the State Department report was re- throughout the world, and especially in China. We think it’s necessary, however, to tive Director, Christian Coalition; Rev. leased in February, additional information Richard John Neuhaus, President, In- has been provided to Congress about the Chi- take a clear-eyed view of the conduct of the Chinese government. While missionaries stitute for Religious and Public Life; nese government’s repression of basic free- Keith A. Fournier, Esq., President, doms and human rights, including: The per- seek no conflict with the government, the re- ality is that China’s rulers do not view Catholic Alliance; D. James Kennedy, secution of evangelical Protestants and President, Coral Ridge Ministries; Jo- Roman Catholics in China who choose to Christians so benignly. Paul Marshall, in his well-received book seph M. C. Kung, President, Cardinal worship independently of the government ‘‘Their Blood Cries Out,’’ describes the atti- Kung Foundation; James C. Dobson, sanctioned (and controlled) church; forcibly tude of China’s elites. ‘‘In 1992, Chinese Ph.D., President, Focus on the Family; closing and sometimes destroying ‘‘house state-run press noted that ‘the church played Phyllis Schlafly, President, Eagle churches,’’ and harassing and imprisoning an important role in the change’ in Eastern Forum. religious leaders; the threat to currently-ex- Europe and warned, ‘if China does not want Chuck Colson, President, Prison Fellow- isting democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. such a scene to be repeated in its land, it ship Ministries; Gov. Robert P. Casey, The takeover of Hong Kong by China is must strangle the baby while it is still in the Chairman, Campaign for the American scheduled for July 1, 1997. Already, the Chi- manger.’ ’’ Family; Steve Suits, South Carolina nese government has moved to disband Hong We are proud to note the consistent and Family Policy Council; William Kong’s democratically elected legislature principled stance of the U.S. Catholic Con- Donohue, President, Catholic League and to repeal its bill of rights; the brutal re- ference in opposing MFN for China. Catho- for Civil and Religious Rights; Richard pression of the religion, people and culture of lics are brutally repressed in China, as are D. Land, President, Christian Life Tibet; and the regulation of the free flow of Evangelicals, Muslims and Buddhists. But Commission; Steven W. Mosher, Presi- information, including restricting access to the USCC has never allowed Beijing’s threats dent, Population Research Institute; and use of the Internet and restricting basic to deter it from its duty to speak up for the Gerard Bradley, Professor, Notre Dame economic and business data. oppressed. Nor should we. Law School; John DiIulio, Professor, We know that we are not on ‘‘the front Princeton University. OPEN LETTER ON CHINA’S PERSECUTION OF line’’ in confronting Chinese repression. Be- Robert P. George, Professor, Princeton CHRISTIANS cause we have a freedom to speak out that is University; John Davies, President, DEAR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: Recently, not granted to those on the Mainland, we Free the Fathers; Kent Ostrander, Di- letters have circulated on Capitol Hill from must use our God-given freedom to speak out rector, The Family Foundation (KY); some groups and leaders involved in missions for those who cannot speak for themselves. Matt Daniels, Executive Director, Mas- in China. These letters urge Members not to When it is argued that the situation will be sachusetts Family Institute; Rev. Don- vote to revoke China’s Most-Favored-Nation worsened if America takes action, we must ald E. Wildmon, President, American (MFN) trade status. They cite potential dan- ask candidly, how can it be worse for the Family Association; Deal W. Hudson, gers to the missions if the U.S. responds to Chinese dissidents? Our own State Depart- Publisher & Editor, Crisis Magazine; Beijing’s terrible record on human rights, ment reports that all dissidents have been ei- Bernard Dobranski, Dean, Columbus national security and workers’ rights. ther expelled, jailed or killed. Law School; Rev. Steven Snyder, Presi- There are points of agreement between us We rejoice in the fact that American mis- dent, International Christian Concern. and those missions organizations. We can sionaries hold U.S. passports. We pray that a Ann Buwalda, Director, Jubilee Cam- agree, for example, to put no individual at strong United States will help to safeguard paign; P. George Tryfiates, Executive risk of retaliation. We should take great care our fellow Americans’ lives while they do the Director, The Family Foundation (VA); in dealing with a regime that has dem- Lord’s work in China. But Chinese Christians Randy Hicks, Executive Director, onstrated its willingness to settle disagree- are not so protected. For Pastor Wong, lead- Georgia Family Council; Marvin L. June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4241 Munyou, President, Family Research or a fair trial, by a legal system at the beck provements in human rights a condition of Institute (WI); William T. Devlin, Ex- and call of the Communist Party, and in de- extending MFN status to our country. ecutive Director, Philadelphia Family fiance of the international community’s con- Sincerely, Policy Council; William Held, Execu- cerns. XING ZHENG, tive Director, Oklahoma Family Coun- While ordinary Chinese citizens are en- President. cil; William A. Smith, President, Indi- couraged to become rich, they cannot ex- ana Family Institute; Thomas press political views dissenting from the gov- STATEMENT OF JOHN CARR, SECRETARY, DE- McMillen, Executive Director, Rocky ernment. Freedom of the press, expression, PARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND Mountain Family Council. association and assembly remain extremely WORLD PEACE, U.S. CATHOLIC CONFERENCE Michael Heath, Executive Director, forbidden. Like all authoritarian regimes, CATHOLIC BISHOPS OPPOSE RENEWING MFN Christian Civic League of Maine; David the government of China keeps its citizens The U.S. Catholic Bishops lead a commu- M. Payne, Executive Director, Kansas under tight control in these aspects in order nity of faith, not a political or economic in- Family Research Institute; Gary Palm- to maintain its governance. terest group. The Bishops’ Conference op- er, President, Alabama Family Alli- Unfortunately, the weakening of pressure poses renewal of MFN for China because it is ance; Jerry Cox, President, Arkansas from foreign governments in the past several the only available means to send a clear sig- Family Council; Dennis Mansfield, Ex- years, as evinced by President Clinton’s deci- nal to the Chinese government that the ecutive Director, Idaho Family Forum; sion in 1994 to delink human rights from United States will not ignore pervasive vio- Michael Howden, Executive Director, MFN, has encouraged the Chinese govern- lations of religious liberty, human dignity Oregon Center for Family Policy; Wil- ment to increase political repression. Presi- and workers rights. liam Horn, President, Iowa Family Pol- dent Clinton has admitted the failure of this The Bishops are not newcomers to this im- icy Center; Joseph E. Clark, Executive policy but the U.S. government continues to portant cause and we welcome those who Director, Illinois Family Institute; pursue it. Further proof of this lack of con- join with us from diverse political, religious John H. Paulton, Executive Director, cern over human rights abuses in China can and ideological communities. We come to- South Dakota Family Policy Council; be seen by the collapse of the coordinated ef- gether, despite our differences, to insist that Mike Harris, President, Michigan Fam- forts by democratic allies to condemn the U.S.-China policy must more clearly reflect ily Forum; Mike Harris, President, Chinese government at the 1997 U.N. Human fundamental moral principles. From across Michigan Family Forum. Rights Commission. We strongly denounce the political spectrum, we are affirming that China’s blatant retaliation threats against there are ties of common humanity that are INDEPENDENT FEDERATION OF those western countries supportive of the deeper and stronger than those of trade. We CHINESE STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS, resolution. We also urge the U.S. govern- are joining in solidarity with those who are Washington, DC, April 25, 1997. ment to reconsider its weak and passive pol- persecuted for their faith or their political U.S. Congress, icy toward China, which gravely undermines courage; we are affirming the rights of work- Washington, DC. its commitment and obligation, as the most ers to labor freely; we are standing profiteer- DEAR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: The Inde- powerful nation in the world, to work to ad- ing from slave labor, and we are defending pendent Federation of Chinese Students and vance human rights and democracy globally. married couples from the inhumanity of co- Scholars (IFCSS), the sole national umbrella The IFCSS stresses its belief that the con- ercive abortion policies. organization of Chinese students and schol- ditional MFN was an effective policy in the In urging the Congress not to renew MFN ars in the U.S., is taking this opportunity to past. Unfortunately, we’ve all seen how ag- for China, the U.S. Catholic Conference re- express its opinion on the extension of most- gressively the business community attacked calls that religious liberty is a foundation of favored-nation (MFN) status to China. The this policy for their own commercial inter- IFCSS reiterates its support for the U.S. and our freedom, and that hard experience has ests and, worst of all, how successfully they shown that a free society cannot exist with- other western countries in conducting trade were able to influence both the Congress and with China. We believe economic exchange out freedom of conscience. Freedom for mar- the Administration. Despite assurances to kets without freedom of worship is not really and commerce will mutually benefit people the contrary, however, the unparalleled eco- in all countries conducting such trade; how- freedom at all. Despite the claims and hopes nomic growth in our country has not in any ever, China is governed by an authoritarian of the Administration and others, religious way resulted in a more humane society, and repressive regime, lacking in fundamen- persecution in China is serious and appar- more respect for basic rights or less repres- tal respect for the basic rights and freedoms ently growing. As a result of recent laws, sion. Sadly, the opposite has occurred. Chi- which U.S. citizens so highly value. regulations and practice, many believers in The IFCSS, therefore, urges the U.S. to na’s leaders have learned a lesson from the China—underground Catholics, Tibetan Bud- adopt a more responsible trade policy. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the East- dhists, Protestant House Churches and oth- rights and freedoms cherished in this nation ern-Europe bloc and the result is a mutant ers—are denied their right to practice their should be linked to trade in order to make form of communism, but communism none- faith without government interference, har- U.S. trade policy more responsible and ac- theless. China is now a nation that encour- assment or persecution. countable. ages economic prosperity through foreign in- Our Church seeks a constructive and posi- We believe human rights is a fundamental vestment, the use of advanced technology tive relationship with China and its people. issue, inseparable from the construction of a and capitalist management styles. On the We support reconciliation and dialogue be- modern and humane society in our country. other hand, the Communist party continues tween the U.S. and China and among the The Chinese government must learn to re- to exert political and ideological control Chinese, but these vital tasks must reflect spect the rights of its 1.2 billion citizens as through its one-party monopoly. This clearly fundamental respect for human life, dignity they strive for economic prosperity in the demonstrates that economic prosperity does and rights. The U.S. must reorder its prior- 21st century. not bring about ‘‘automatic’’ democracy, as ities in China policy insisting that protect- That the Chinese government has in- predicted by so many. ing the rights of believers, workers and dis- creased its control of Chinese society, both Whether or not this hybrid eventually suc- sidents is as important as combating piracy politically and ideologically, is well docu- ceed remains uncertain. What is certain is of CD’s and videos. Let us send a message so mented. For instance, the government has the continuing political repression, depriv- clear that those who wish to do business in cracked down severely on dissidents, curtail- ing Chinese citizens of basic rights and deny- China will spend less effort lobbying the U.S. ing their activities and depriving them of ing the international community’s effort on Congress to protect their economic interests their right to earn a living, as reported in behalf of human rights and freedom in China. and more effort to help China understand U.S. State Department Report ’96. The result With increasing wealth, the Chinese govern- that U.S. concern for human rights will not is that no single active political dissident’s ment is becoming less, rather than more, ac- go away. voice remains in China: leading dissidents countable. International pressure has played Current policies have failed; it is time to Liu Gang and Wang Xi-zhe were forced to a critical role in pushing China to be more send a clear message. MFN may not be the flee the country after consistent torture, open, but western nations are also morally perfect vehicle but it is our best chance to harassment, and nationwide pursuit by the obliged to keep applying this pressure, par- insist we will no longer ignore religious per- police; Liu Xiaobo, Li Hai, Guo Haifeng and ticularly at a time when the system in China secution, violation of worker and human a dozen other dissidents have been impris- has become more intolerant and repressive. rights, and coercive abortion policies. oned once again for their peaceful expression It is shameful to see western business inter- of opinions and criticisms; Nobel Peace Prize ests being held hostage by the Chinese gov- INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET, nominee and the most prominent dissident ernment in order to evade international con- Washington, DC, May 21, 1997. Wei Jingsheng is still in jail, with deterio- demnation for its repressive policies. Hon. NANCY PELOSI, rating health. We were outraged to see stu- We hereby urge the members of Congress House of Representatives, dent leader Wang Dan, who gained promi- to give this issue the serious consideration it Washington, DC. nence in the prodemocracy movement of deserves. The IFCSS particularly appreciates DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN PELOSI: I wish to 1989, held in illegal detention for 16 months, the U.S. government’s consistent claim that submit, for the May 21 press conference on finally charged with conspiracy to overthrow human rights issue is one of the cornerstones most-favored-nation (MFN) trade status for the government and sentenced to 14 years in of its foreign policy. We respectfully appeal China, a brief description of the difficult sit- prison. This was done without solid evidence to the members of Congress to make im- uation in Tibet and, in particular, China’s H4242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 repression of religious freedom which has tions with China on the future of Tibet. Thus The Freedom House team met with 15 un- worsened in recent years. far, China has resisted calls for negotiations, derground church members, 12 of whom are In 1994, President Clinton abandoned the and the United States has demonstrated a pastors or in other leadership positions and use of trade privileges as a mechanism to lack of resolve in pushing China to make are viewed as highly credible. It received re- move China into compliance with inter- concessions in the area of human rights. I ports from over half of China’s Provinces and nationally-recognized human rights norms. would urge the U.S. Government in 1997 to regions (Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, It is now evident that China consequently take the kind of stand against China’s policy Heilongjiang, Xisang, Shanxi, Guangdong, accelerated its course of repression in Tibet in Tibet that would be experienced in Beijing Anhui, Hunan, Shandong, Liaoning, Hebei, from a negative direction to an extreme de- with the same intensity as was the Presi- Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Guizhou, Beijing and gree. In the place of linkage, the Clinton ad- dent’s MFN delinkage in 1994. If it is the case Shanghai.) ministration has chosen to pursue a policy of that U.S. dollars fuel China’s power and its House church leaders interviewed by Free- ‘‘engagement’’ with China while, ironically, powerful, then U.S. leverage must be of the dom House representatives reported the fol- China has taken up the policy of linkage and economic kind to be appreciated. lowing: blatantly doles out significant economic fa- While the world’s sole superpower pursues The standard sentence for illegal church vors to all who are willing to halt criticism a China policy that takes the position that activities is now three years of ‘‘re-education of its human rights record. At this year’s the engagement of Western and Chinese busi- through labor’’ in a labor camp. This is ap- U.N. Human Rights Commission meeting in nesses will bring about gradual changes in plied on the third offense for ordinary church Geneva, important U.S. allies in previous ef- China’s human rights policies, it is providing members, often to leaders on the first of- forts to condemn China’s human rights a fig leaf for every Western nation to do fense, and is usually applied to preachers record, withdrew their support for lucrative business with China regardless of its human who are out of their home area. In Henan Number One Labor Camp trade contracts with China. Three years rights practices. I urge the United States to (laojiao) approximately 50 out of the 126 in- after the U.S. delinkage of trade and human go beyond its diplomatic rhetoric, assert its mates are imprisoned for underground rights, President Clinton himself has judged world leadership and elicit significant and church activities. A ratio of about forty per- the U.S. engagement policy a failure as positive changes in China’s Tibet policy. cent holds for Henan generally, evidencing China has completely silenced its dissidents Sincerely, that Henan Province is where house-church and has given up all pretense of tolerance for LODI G. GYARI, evangelicals are experiencing some of the the distinct cultural, linguistic and religious President. traditions of the Tibetan people. harshest repression. In Louyang, approximately 300 under- We do not know how many political pris- [From the Freedom House News, June 3, 1997] oners there are in Tibet today, although ground Protestants have been detained since CHINA’S PERSECUTION OF UNDERGROUND some 700 have been at least partially docu- July 1996. CHRISTIAN CHURCHES CONTINUES TO INTEN- mented. One young Tibetan, Ngawang On September 24, 1996 in Tenghe, Henan, a SIFY AS AUTHORITIES SEEK THEIR ERADI- Choephel, was sentenced in December 1996 to Public Security Bureau raid arrested Elder CATION FINDS HUMAN RIGHTS MISSION 18 years for videotaping traditional Tibetan Feng, Brother Zheng, Brother Xin, Sister Li music. This extremely harsh sentence was NEW TREND NOTED TO ARREST HOUSE CHURCH and Sister Luo. Several of these who were in handed down in spite of personal appeals to LEADERS; TORTURE REPORTED; ANNUAL UN- leadership positions were beaten and tor- the Chinese leadership by U.S. Government DERGROUND CATHOLIC PROCESSION SUP- tured during interrogation to force them to reveal more names of those involved in the officials, including Members of the U.S. Con- PRESSED house-church organizations. Sister Luo had gress. It even appears that Ngawang WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today (June 3, 1997) her arms tied tightly behind her back in an Choephel’s status as a Fulbright scholar was Freedom House released the findings of its excruciating position, and was beaten uncon- used against him by the Chinese authorities mission to China during the last two weeks scious, leaving her in a coma for several who, on this basis, added collusion with the of May that investigated state persecution hours. One of the other detainees was beaten West to his list of so-called espionage against underground Christian churches. The almost to death over a period of nine days. charges. investigation revealed that China is continu- There are reports from Tibet that popular ing and intensifying its campaign against They were also abused with electric cattle prods, often in a bound position. Since Elder and successful Tibetan language programs at the Christian underground. Feng is 72-years-old and not able to perform middle schools and universities have been ‘‘Some Provinces are more repressive than hard labor, he is being detained indefinitely. discontinued. While these programs were few others, but repression has intensified in all The other four have been sentenced to three in number, they removed the enormous and the Provinces from where we received re- years of ‘‘reeducation through labor’’ in unfair obstacle of Chinese language pro- ports,’’ reported Dr. Marshall who conducted the fact-finding in China for the Puebla Pro- Luoyang, Henan. ficiency for some Tibetans. Indeed, those Other forms of torture widely used by po- gram on Religious Freedom of Freedom children in Tibet who are schooled in their lice against Christians entail forcing under- House. In addition to closing unregistered mother tongue in the primary grades are ground Christians to kneel while police churches (Christian gatherings that occur blocked from continuing education by oblig- stomp on their heels. One detained under- atory tests administered in Chinese only. without government sanction), authorities ground church member in Shanxi was beaten This Chinese language-only policy exacer- are now aggressively seeking out and arrest- with an instrument that pulled out flesh. He bates the increasingly high drop-out rate for ing members and leaders of the Christian un- was also bound and tormented with an elec- Tibetan children whose schools have taken derground. Eighty-five house-church Chris- tric drill. In December 1996, in Langfang, the brunt of government cut-backs and must tians were arrested in May in Henan Prov- Hebei, several underground Christians were operate without resources, including heat. ince alone. New incidents of torture by beat- caught at the train station carrying im- Money for blankets has come to mean no ings, binding in agonizing positions, tor- ported Bibles. They suffered crippling beat- money for food in most Tibetan schools. menting by cattle prods and electric drills ings at the hands of the Public Security Bu- It is, however, the lack of religious free- and other brutal treatment by Public Secu- reau police and they remain unable to walk dom that is the most revealing of China’s rity Bureau police against Christians were without assistance. malicious intentions in Tibet. The State De- reported to the Freedom House representa- In Zhoukou, Henan, 65 underground Chris- partment, in its ‘‘Country Report on Human tives. tians were arrested on May 14, 1997. An ac- Rights Practices for 1996’’ mistakenly quali- Ninety percent of the underground Protes- companying raid resulted in the arrest of 20 fies China’s actions in Tibet by stating that tant church members interviewed by Dr. other Christians. Since all 85 underground ‘‘the Government does not tolerate religious Marshall said the repression is the worst evangelicals had been previously arrested at manifestations that advocate Tibetan inde- since the early 1980’s. Repression against the least two other times, their fellow pendence.’’ The trust is that China has deter- underground churches began to rise in 1994 congregants anticipate that their sentences mined to eradicate completely Tibetan Bud- after Beijing issued decrees 144 and 145 man- will be three years of ‘‘reeducation through dhism as an enduring threat to the Chinese dating the registration of religious groups, labor.’’ communist state. This was China’s original with a marked increase from the summer of The annual pilgrimage to the Marian motivation for going into Tibet, temporarily 1996. Shrine at Dong Lu in Hebei Province by un- laid aside by the threat of international Puebla Program Director Nina Shea ob- derground Catholics was prevented by gov- scrutiny, and taken up with renewed verve served, ‘‘The ferocity of China’s crackdown ernment authorities from occurring this at the time of delinkage in 1994. The abduc- against the underground Christian commu- year. In 1995, according to the Far Eastern tion of the child Panchen Lama is yet the nity can be explained by the fact that these Economic Review, the procession attracted most recent symbol of a conscious choice by churches constitute the only civic grouping some 10,000 Catholics loyal to the Holy Fa- Li Peng and Jiang Zemin articulated over that has survived outside of government con- ther. The event was crushed in 1996 and the the last three years, to crush Tibetan Bud- trol in China proper. Even in the under- priest in charge of the Shrine, Rev. Xingang dhism. ground in China there are no independent Cui, remains in prison after his arrest in Last month, His Holiness the Dalai Lama human rights groups, labor unions or Spring 1996. The Shrine itself has been dese- visited Washington where he was received in samizdat presses. These underground church- crated. A foreign journalist who attempted the Congress, the State Department and the es by their very existence defy the state and to visit the area was immediately stopped White House. At each stop, he was given as- cannot be tolerated by the aging communists and detained for nearly a day before being surances of support for his proposed negotia- in power.’’ expelled from the area. June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4243 The underground Catholic bishop of Shang- what this means. In 1996, we exported up for what this Nation believes in. hai, Bishop Joseph Fan Zhongliang, whose over $60 million worth of goods to the Vote to deny China MFN. They do not home was raided before Easter is under vir- growing Chinese market. We are cur- deserve it. tual house arrest with heavy police surveil- rently working on improving that fig- Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 lance. He is effectively prevented from meet- ing with foreigners. [As has previously been ure through the Minnesota Trade Of- minutes to the gentleman from Massa- reported, four other underground Catholic fice’s Minnesota China Initiative. In chusetts [Mr. NEAL]. bishops are detained, imprisoned or their fact our State legislature just author- Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. whereabouts are unknown at this time.] ized $350,000 for this effort to establish Speaker, I rise in opposition to House All the church representatives (both reg- Minnesota companies as known and Joint Resolution 79, disapproval of istered and unregistered, Catholic and preferred vendors in China. most-favored-nation trade treatment Protestant) gave reports of a three- to four- The workers understand what this for China. fold increase of members since 1990, and a MFN means in terms of jobs. Let us Mr. Speaker, this is one of those fas- greater than ten-fold increase since 1980. cinating arguments that confronts this Freedom House estimates that China’s Chris- hope the Congress understands. Vote tian population numbers about 60 million. In down this disapproval motion. institution, where there is some truth many areas, the boundaries between reg- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 to what everybody says. But it is ironic istered and underground churches are minutes to the gentleman from Mary- that we opened this century with the blurred, as members and even leaders move land [Mr. CARDIN]. Boxer rebellion and now we close the back and forth between both. Dr. Marshall Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank century with MFN; and it highlights observes: ‘‘Ironically, the very campaign to the gentleman for yielding me this how this relationship between our Na- eradicate the underground churches by the time and congratulate him on his lead- tion and China has been mishandled for government may be spurring their growth. the better part of one century. Underground leaders say the commitment ership on this issue. required to practice one’s faith in China Mr. Speaker, I heard all these argu- I think that the issue for us today is leads to a strong, disciplined and growing ments before against United States in- really to take the long view of our rela- church.’’ volvement on human rights issues. We tionship with China. Every year since Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I reserve were told with the Soviet Union that 1980, Presidents have requested waivers the balance of my time. the United States would be alone. Just from Jackson-Vanik in an effort to dis- Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the opposite was the case when we cuss MFN status as it relates to China. minutes to the gentleman from Min- stood up and denied most-favored-na- The Jackson-Vanik amendments were nesota [Mr. RAMSTAD], our distin- tion status to the Soviet Union. Other enacted to address the freedom of im- guished colleague. countries followed the United States migration issue. But through most of (Mr. RAMSTAD asked and was given leadership. I heard the same arguments the 1980’s, Presidents have indeed re- permission to revise and extend his re- about South Africa, that would hurt quested this waiver of MFN for China marks.) the blacks of South Africa. By standing and the waivers, for the most part, Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank up for human rights, we have brought were noncontroversial. my distinguished chairman for yielding down that apartheid government of Now, I acknowledge that after 1989 me the time. South Africa. We said that we were and the massacre of Tiananmen Square Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the going to hurt our own interests be- that the situation changed. But, as we bipartisan effort to renew normal trade cause of the richness of South Africa all know, the United States-China rela- relations with China and oppose the and their natural resources. We stood tionship remains precarious, and we disapproval resolution we are consider- up and we changed South Africa. When have to decide the best manner in ing today. United States engagement the United States leads, the world will which to improve this relationship. in China through continued trading re- follow. In May 1994, President Clinton de- lationships is clearly, clearly the best China’s human rights record is hor- cided to delink human rights from Chi- way to influence China’s policies. How rible. Listen to our own State Depart- na’s MFN status and to establish new can we be a force for change in China’s ment. I quote: programs to improve human rights in human rights policies if we are not Overall in 1996, the authorities stepped up China. This decision was based upon there? efforts to cut off expressions of protest or the belief that linkage was no longer We learned during our Committee on criticism. All public dissent against the useful. I agree with President Clinton’s Ways and Means hearing last week party and government was effectively si- decision. that many evangelical Christians and lenced by intimidation, exile, the imposition This does not mean that we have for- humanitarian groups which actually of prison terms, administrative detention, or gotten about the students in work in China strongly support MFN house arrest. Nonapproved religious groups, Tiananmen Square and we have not including Protestant and Catholic groups, forgotten about China’s human rights renewal. Let me quote from two. also experienced intensified repression as the First, Joy Hilley of Children of the government enforced the 1994 regulations. record. We constantly raise these is- World, which is a nonprofit inter- Discrimination against women, minorities, sues with China, and the Tiananmen national relief and adoption agency op- and the disabled, violence against women, Square sanctions are still in place. We erating in China, said that her group’s and the abuse of children remain problems. continue to enforce United States laws concern for continued access to China China’s human rights records are banning prison imports. is based on their belief that their pres- horrible. Listen to what Professor Na- But the sincere question in front of ence in China has not only enriched the than of Columbia said: Human rights in this House today is, how do we best en- lives of the children who have been China are of our national interest to gage China and to encourage those adopted but has actually helped save the United States. Countries that re- structural reforms that will retain and the lives of those children who remain spect the rights of their citizens are bring China further into the relation- in orphanages in China. less likely to start wars, export drugs, ship of civilized nations? We have got- MFN renewal is also supported by the harbor terrorists, produce refugees. ten away from the original intent of Rev. Ned Graham, son of another well- The greater the power of the country the Jackson-Vanik amendment. None known minister, the Rev. Billy Gra- without human rights, the greater the of us endorse all of our actions as they ham, who heads a ministry which danger to the United States. relate to China. But if we want to im- works with the churches in China. I have heard all the arguments prove our relationship with China, the With all that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I against involvement. MFN is supposed best way to do it is to continue to en- must say that we do not need to apolo- to be for immigration only. MFN is for gage them through current actions of gize for recognizing that the United nations that respect human rights. trade. States-China trade relationship is also China does not respect human rights. We are not asking to condone China’s very important to jobs and to busi- egregious actions of the past, but we b nesses in this country. 1130 need to remember that renewing MFN An aggressive free trade policy is ab- We never have to apologize for this is not providing China with special solutely essential to our economy and Nation standing strong against nations trade provisions. MFN is the normal our workers. We in Minnesota know that abuse human rights. Let us stand trade treatment we provide to almost H4244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 every other country. I believe that if of aggression, another act of duplicity, munist China is buying it with the ex- we engage China, we can make China or another affront to humanity com- press purpose of intimidating the Unit- take actions and move toward famil- mitted by the dictatorship in Beijing. ed States Navy in the Taiwan Strait iarizing them with international stand- Consider human rights, the same peo- and in the Asian-Pacific theater. Or ards. ple who conducted the massacre in they are going to give it to Iran to at- In recent Chinese history, the worst Tiananmen Square and the inhumane tack American ships, as Iran did when human rights violations occurred in oppression of Tibet have been busily they killed 37 American sailors aboard times of international isolation. En- eradicating the last remnants of de- the USS Stark a few years ago. gagement is working. China is making mocracy in China. And as we speak, Meanwhile, China’s irresponsible improvements. Even though it seems they are preparing to squash democ- missile proliferation activities con- as though these steps are baby ones to- racy in Hong Kong. tinue unabated. Are my colleagues not ward conforming to international I invite all my colleagues to go with concerned about that? I know some of standards, these are steps in the right me in about 3 or 4 months and see what them are. I have talked to some on direction. is over there. According to the U.S. that side of the aisle who are formerly I am going to close the way I opened. State Department’s annual human for MFN and now they have changed In this argument, there is truth to rights report, and I quote, and my col- their mind for this very reason. Despite what everybody says in this institu- leagues ought to hear this because it is engagement, or because of it, China tion. But let us not retreat today from coming from this administration. continues to export ballistic missiles MFN status for China. and nuclear technology to Pakistan— Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I yield Overall in 1996, the authorities stepped up efforts to cut off expressions of protest and do my colleagues not think something myself such time as I may consume. criticism. All public dissent against the is going to happen over there?—and Mr. Speaker, in rising in support of party and government was effectively si- missile, nuclear and chemical weapons the Solomon resolution, let me just say lenced by intimidation, by exile, the imposi- technology to the avowed enemy of that enough is enough is enough. If tion of prison terms, administrative deten- America, Iran. I did not say they are ever there was a policy out of touch tion, or house arrest. our enemy. They said they are our with reality, it is our current policy of That is what they say, Mr. Speaker. enemy. appeasement toward Communist China. And I emphasize the words ‘‘stepped Let me repeat. Has anyone around And, of course, the continuous un- up’’ because human rights violations in here thought about who these missiles linked granting of MFN is the corner- China are getting worse, according to that the Iranians are buying, who they stone of that appeasement policy; and the report I just read you. And that is will be used against? They will be used that is why I have introduced this leg- the exact opposite of what is supposed against the U.S. Navy because we will islation, which would revoke MFN for to be occurring, according to the pro- be called in over there, the same as we China temporarily until the com- ponents of engagement theory. were in the Persian Gulf. And it is munist Chinese Government decides to China has also ramped up its already going to be used against Israel and a change it, to change its ways by stop- severe suppression of religious activity lot of other decent human beings over ping its religious persecution, its having, among other things, recently in the Mideast who will not be able to human rights atrocities, and selling arrested the co-adjutor Bishop of protect themselves against this nerve deadly missiles and poison gas fac- Shanghai. We all know this is happen- gas and the poison gas and the mis- tories to rogue nations like Iran. That ing. Engagement theorists on both siles. does not even mention its trade dis- sides of this aisle know it. They know Every Member of this body that crimination, costing hundreds of thou- that this is happening, and all they can claims to be a supporter of Israel sands of American jobs. talk about is dollars for multinational should come over here today and vote Mr. Speaker, hardly a day goes by corporations. It is enough to make you for this resolution. Because if they do when the economic and trade picture throw up sometimes. not, Iran’s chief weapons supplier, with China does not get worse. We have Just read all these newspaper ads Communist China, will be off the hook heard it alluded to earlier today. Chi- that have been appearing all over the once again, and once again we will be na’s refusal to grant fair and open ac- country. We have a right to stand up back here next year, as we were last cess to American goods has resulted in for America and not business interests year and the year before. our trade deficits with that country Let me just note that the denial-in- in this country, Mr. Speaker. skyrocketing to $38 billion last year, ducing effects of the engagement the- And even worse, in the field of na- and it is going toward $50 billion this ory are especially visible in the case of tional security, and I would hope that year because our goods are not allowed China’s nuclear transfers and C–802 everybody is listening to this, in the in China. missile sales to Iran. These trans- field of national security, the engage- Mr. Speaker, engagement theorists actions are in clear violation of the ment theorists completely ignore our claim that United States exports to 1992 Iran-Iraq Nonproliferation Act and national interests by appeasing the China currently support 170,000 United should initiate sanctions against communists in Beijing. They totally States jobs, which they say would be China, not more appeasement. jeopardized if we cut off most favored ignore the relentless Chinese military The principal author of this legisla- trade status for China and China then buildup, ever more frequent exports of tion is none other than Vice President retaliated against us. Well, Mr. Speak- technology for weapons of mass de- AL GORE, but the numbing effects of er, leaving that aside, this 170,000 fig- struction, and an increasingly bellig- the engagement theory have precluded ure has not changed since last year and erent Chinese foreign policy. the administration from invoking the the year before and engagement theo- While every other major country has Vice President’s own legislation. rists say it should be going up, it reduced its military spending, Com- If it were not so serious and so sad, should be creating more U.S. jobs. Con- munist China has increased its mili- Mr. Speaker, it would be a laughable sidering that over one-third of China’s tary spending by double digits each matter. These are the very bitter fruits exports come to us, versus 2 percent of year, increasing their military budget of engagement. And I want to know ours going to them, does it not seem by more than 50 percent in the 1990’s just how long it is going to take for the rather odd for us to be afraid of a trade alone, when every other country in the engagement theorists to wake up. We spat with China? Two percent of our world has been cutting back. will be going on here for another 5 total exports go to China, and 33 per- What are they buying with all that years. cent of theirs come here. We clearly money that is being financed by the To show just how much the engage- have the upper hand, my colleagues. trade deficits in this country? Soviet- ment theory seals its proponents off But the engagement theorists do not made Sunburn missiles from Russia, from reality, Mr. Speaker, I would like have the guts to truly engage China that is what. We debated that on the to quote from a recent ‘‘Dear Col- and let them know that their behavior floor here last night. The Sunburn was league’’ signed by four senior members is disgusting. designed with the express purpose of of the Committee on Ways and Means, More importantly, hardly a day goes taking out United States ships and all of whom are card carrying engage- by without reading of yet another act killing American sailors, and Com- ment theorists. They say, and I quote, June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4245 ‘‘The Chinese would interpret the sev- that we are going to protect American gious minorities and the curtailment of ering of normal trade relations as an lives and American interests around democracy and civil liberties in Hong unfriendly act.’’ the world and that China had better be- Kong and the treatment of Tibet and Mr. Speaker, I do not know whether come a decent actor in the world. our growing trade deficit and the cre- to laugh or to explode in anger when I Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ation of artificial trade barriers, none hear such statements. This rogue, vi- my time. of these cause me to reach the conclu- cious dictatorship commits murder, it Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 sion that I should oppose the continu- commits rape, and intimidates coun- minutes to the distinguished gen- ation of MFN. My decision instead is tries with missiles. It makes aggressive tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. ENG- really based on the Chinese failure to land grabs, makes veiled threats of nu- LISH]. abide by their international commit- clear attacks against Los Angeles. Did ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ments in the area of the proliferation we just overlook that? It sells deadly The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. of weapons of mass destruction, a pro- missiles to our archenemy Iran and LAHOOD). The Chair will remind all liferation which threatens world peace buys missiles designed to kill Ameri- persons in the gallery that they are and stability. I am voting against MFN cans. here as guests of the House and that because China has not lived up to its And the proponents of engagement any manifestation of approval or dis- commitments not to promote the ex- are worried about us making un- approval of proceedings is a violation port of these weapons. I am voting friendly acts. What an outrage, Mr. of the rules of the House. against MFN because preventing the Speaker. What a deep offense against Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. proliferation of weapons of mass de- the victims of this regime, both inside Speaker, in the debate on whether to struction is the most serious imme- China and, God forbid, without. And continue normal trade relations with diate challenge for the future for all of what a deep offense against the United China, the opponents of trade have us. States military personnel that are on failed fundamentally to answer one China has ratified the Nuclear Non- watch in the Pacific and in the Middle question: What will ending our engage- Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical East, who may one day be a victim of ment with China accomplish? It will Weapons Convention, and the Biologi- China’s military aggression or of Chi- not improve human rights or political cal Weapons Convention. They have an- na’s irresponsible missile proliferation rights on the mainland. It will not ben- nounced stronger nuclear export con- policy. efit American security interests in trols and adherence to the Missile What has to happen? Does China need Asia or stabilize the Pacific rim. It cer- Technology Control Regime. But com- to commit a second Tiananmen Square tainly will not improve trade opportu- mitments without compliance mean in Hong Kong or elsewhere? Do they nities for American companies and nothing. They have made many excuses have to invade Taiwan? And if so, what American workers in the world’s larg- for their failure to keep these inter- is Congress going to do about it, Mr. est and fastest growing market. Our national commitments. ‘‘How can we Speaker? More appeasement? Do they severing of normal trade relations with monitor every businessman exporting have to take out American ships and China would be the greatest windfall millions of dollars of chemical weapon kill American sailors with Sunburn that we would have bestowed on our production materials to Iran?’’ But missiles? Then what are we going to European competitors since the Mar- they can find every dissident working say? ‘‘Oh, my goodness, you should not shall plan. American companies would secretly on a subversive pamphlet and have done that, China’’? likely lose their favored position in the imprison that person. Mr. Speaker, it is nothing short of a Chinese market permanently. ‘‘We adhere to the Missile Tech- disgrace that we would even consider So what would ending normal trade nology Control Regime. We just don’t waiting that long. But that is exactly relations with China achieve? For one recognize the Annexes’’ which give the fix that the engagement theorists thing it would devastate our longtime that commitment any meaning what- have put us in. And I resent it. Mr. trading partners in Hong Kong at a soever. sensitive time when they are returning Speaker, we owe it to this country to Mr. Speaker, what I want is for this to Chinese sovereignty but seeking to temporarily cut off MFN, now it does administration to scream as loudly retain their autonomy. Ending MFN not have to be permanently, to tempo- about the proliferation of weapons of would undermine Hong Kong’s econ- rarily cut it off until China becomes a mass destruction as it has about the omy and potentially their liberties as responsible member of the inter- manufacturing of counterfeit CD’s and well. national community. Is that not what stolen computer software and video Mr. Speaker, the best way for Amer- we want? games. I want this administration to ica to influence Chinese society is to b 1145 threaten the import controls and high- pursue a policy of constructive and er tariffs on key products imported Is that not what we want? Because if comprehensive engagement with China here from China as forcefully and effec- we do not, Mr. Speaker, the proponents utilizing our economic role to leverage tively as it has waved and wielded that of engagement may very well be re- reforms that benefit individuals on the weapon to remedy violations of intel- sponsible for the lives of Americans 5 mainland. In this way we can stimulate lectual property agreements. What I or 6 or 7 years down the line. I do not market activity and growth on the want this administration to do is to want Members coming back to me and mainland which has proven subversive hound and to badger our key allies like saying, ‘‘Oh, my gosh, I made a mis- of totalitarian bureaucracies world- Japan and Germany and France and take,’’ because then it is too late. wide. Mr. Speaker, no MFN was given to Oppose this resolution. Britain to pursue meaningful multilat- eral export controls that tell China the Soviets under Ronald Reagan. Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄2 Peace through strength brought down minutes to the distinguished gen- that their movement to a fully modern the Iron Curtain and brought an end to tleman from California [Mr. BERMAN]. society depends on stopping the weap- that deadly atheistic communism in (Mr. BERMAN asked and was given ons of mass destruction and their ex- that part of the world. At the same permission to revise and extend his re- port. time we were giving most-favored-na- marks.) Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 tion treatment to China. Some of my Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in minutes to the gentleman from Wis- colleagues will say, ‘‘Well, we were support of the resolution of dis- consin [Mr. KLECZKA]. playing the China card’’ and, yes, approval. For me it is a very difficult Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in maybe we were but the China card is decision and a very close call. I regret opposition to the resolution before us over. Now is the time to stand up to having to oppose the administration on today. I think this annual debate on this rogue regime in Beijing and let this issue. As a general proposition, I trade with China is healthy, for them know we are not going to take it favor engagement over containment. through our voicing our dissatisfaction anymore. While we have many contentious issues with not only human rights but other That is why Members ought to come with the Chinese in the area of treat- activities in that country, I think we over here and vote to send a message ment of political dissidents and reli- make them aware of our posture as a H4246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 nation. However, I think it is impor- Let us look at the score card a little Second, I would point out to my col- tant to restate that this is not a spe- bit regarding this strategy. We gave leagues that when we talk about nor- cial privilege to China. This is the most-favored-nation status and they mal trade relations, if we want to same type of trade relations that we continue their policy of population delink this and we want to say no, who give to 184 other nations around the planning with forced abortion. We gave are we really hurting? Those in East world. Let us set that out and it should most-favored-nation status and they Asia, those in China? Or are we really be repeated over and over again. This is continue not to tolerate any dissent of hurting the people in our own country, not privileged trade for that country. any kind, and the imprisonments, the the people in my district? Know full well that in the last dec- torture, and the killings go on. We Let us talk about agriculture, our ade, we have had some $12 billion in ex- gave most-favored-nation status and country’s No. 1 export, some $50 billion ports to China and the author of the they continue to try to stamp out any a year of exports going all over the resolution indicates that this might religion that is not state-supported re- world, and China being one of the main not be accurate but, yes, there are ligion, and the murders of priests and customers of our agricultural products. 170,000-plus jobs, American jobs, con- ministers continue. How about Procter & Gamble in Cin- nected to those exports. We gave most-favored-nation status cinnati? It has a huge presence in my In my State of Wisconsin, major and they throw out the elected legisla- district. Or Parker Hannifan in Eaton. companies like ABB Drives and Rock- tors in Hong Kong and replace them French Oil Co. These are jobs in my well—Allen-Bradley—have penetrated with handpicked Beijing lackeys. We district. Let us not hurt our people in the Chinese market and over the last gave most-favored-nation status and order to raise our case about human year we have seen a 29-percent increase they made plans to invade Taiwan. rights in China. in exports to China. Our colleagues in When we stood in their way of that, Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 support of the resolution indicate that they threatened to send nuclear mis- minutes to the distinguished gen- going it alone will work, and I say to siles to our west coast. tleman from Stark County, OH [Mr. them, it will not and it has never We gave most-favored-nation status TRAFICANT], one of the experts on for- worked on behalf of this country. I cite and they tried to smuggle automatic eign trade in this House. the grain embargo against Russia be- weapons into the United States to sup- Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 cause of their activities in Afghani- ply gangs in this country. We gave minute to the gentleman from Ohio stan. Know full well that there were most-favored-nation status to them, [Mr. TRAFICANT]. countries waiting at the door to pick and they have the biggest buildup of Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I also up those grain sales, grain sales that to nuclear missile development of any yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from this day we have not gotten back. The country on the face of the earth. Ohio [Mr. TRAFICANT]. same is true for any and every export Let us look at the score card. Do my Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, will the to China. The European Community is colleagues suppose maybe that strat- gentleman yield? just waiting at the door. Japan is wait- egy is not working? How long before we Mr. TRAFICANT. I yield to the gen- ing at the door. Those trading items get a new strategy? are lost. Those American jobs con- Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 tleman from California. nected to that trade is lost forever. Let minutes to the gentleman from Ohio Mr. STARK. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. us continue the engagement like we [Mr. BOEHNER], our distinguished con- have over the years. Let us keep the ference chairman. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to point pressure on, but let us look to people Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I come out, as I listen to this debate, that it on the ground in China like missionary to the floor today to support continued becomes very clear what the issues are. groups which indicate that it would normal trade relations with China. We The issues are, do you believe in hinder the cause of human rights if we have heard before the term most-fa- human rights? And everybody does. were to stop our trading activity. vored-nation status, which I do not But there are some who believe in The China Service Coordinating Of- think really says the true story. Most making money more, and feeling that fice, an organization serving over 100 nations of the world, almost all the na- trade and money and campaign con- Christian organizations in service and tions of the world, have most-favored- tributions from major corporations in witness there, fear that ending MFN nation trading status. The fact is, what this country are more important than would close the doors to China through we are looking for is the same status human rights. So that while we all be- all sorts of educational and cultural re- for China. lieve in human rights, are you willing forms. Let us defeat the resolution. Let Mr. Speaker, I understand my friends to forgo the money to enforce them? us continue normal trade with this on both sides of the aisle are concerned b 1200 country. about the issue of human rights, reli- Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 gious persecution and other abuses Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, minutes to the gentleman from Colo- that go on in China. I and those who China sells missiles to our enemies, rado [Mr. HEFLEY]. support MFN and normal trade rela- China threatened to nuke Taiwan and Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, those tions with China are as concerned as Los Angeles. China is buying inter- who support most-favored-nation sta- they are. The issue is, how do we best continental ballistic missiles, attack tus for China argue that maintaining address those? By delinking ourselves aircraft, and nuclear submarines. Con- open trade with China would spur eco- from China, by walking away from gress, China is literally building a mili- nomic growth, as well, and have a con- East Asia, or by staying engaged with tary juggernaut with American dollars. sequence of social reform. While I sym- them economically? China enjoys a $50 billion trade sur- pathize with this position, I am op- I think the best two examples that I plus, they have a 17-cent an hour labor posed to extending MFN status to have seen are what has happened in wage, they deny most American prod- China, and instead favor imposing con- Taiwan and what has happened in ucts, and they impose up to 30 percent ditions upon our future trade designa- South Korea. Twenty years ago both of tariffs on nearly all of our products. tion. those countries had brutal dictator- In addition, China shoots their own China has a continuing legacy of ships, lack of religious freedom, lack of citizens, treats their women like cat- human rights violations and oppression any kind of democratic freedom. Today tle, laughs in the face of the United of its citizens which cannot be ignored. both nations have popularly elected States. The events of Tiananmen Square pro- Presidents of their countries, real de- And finally, China is a Communist vided the world with a clear picture of mocracy. dictatorship, and American law, cur- the Chinese Government’s ruthless and Where did the democracy in those rent law, says no Communist nation immoral nature. Year after year we two countries come from? It came shall get MFN. have been told, ‘‘Give most-favored-na- through expanded trade, expanded eco- Now the President wants to waive tion status to China and we can win nomic freedom that was engaged be- that. I ask the Congress, what did them over.’’ We heard that during the cause the United States was engaged China do to deserve this waiver? Bush years. We hear it during the Clin- economically with those parts of the Now the President talked about ton years. world. building a new bridge to the future. I June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4247 was always under the impression that most-favored-nation status, and we do directly against the interests of the new bridge was in America. It is evi- not have a normal trade relationship people of the United States. They are dent to me the President was talking with Cuba because we do not grant buying weapons that could some day be about building a new bridge over the most-favored-nation status to Cuba. So used to kill Americans. River Kwai here. it is not true when people talk about This is an abominable policy. Our I am opposed to this madness. We normal trade relations. policy makers should have their head are, in fact, empowering a super dragon Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the examined for kowtowing to a Chinese that is powerful enough some day to gentleman from California [Mr. dictatorship that is working against eat our assets. I think we are foolish. ROHRABACHER]. the interests of the American people. China has become a powerful mili- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I yield Vote for this resolution. tary problem. We better recognize it 30 additional seconds as well to the Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄2 now before we arm them to a degree gentleman from California. minutes to the gentleman from Ari- where we may have trouble reinforcing The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- zona [Mr. KOLBE], our distinguished our freedom and national security in tleman from California [Mr. colleague. the future. ROHRABACHER] is recognized for 21⁄2 Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise I commend the gentleman from New minutes. today in opposition to House Joint York [Mr. SOLOMON], proud to join Mr. ROHRABACHER. First and fore- Resolution 79, the resolution calling forces with him. Vote ‘‘no’’ on MFN, most, Mr. Speaker, we are not talking for the United States to revoke the so- vote ‘‘aye’’ on the resolution. about severing our trade ties with called most-favored-nation status with Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 China, or talking about walking away China. I oppose it so we can send a minutes to the gentleman from Michi- from China, or talking about isolating message to that nation about Amer- gan [Mr. LEVIN]. China. That rhetoric does not meet the ican principles and American values. I (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given per- reality. What is being argued today is agree with the proponents of this reso- mission to revise and extend his re- whether we should extend most-fa- lution, let’s send a message. Let us marks.) vored-nation status to China. send a message to China, let us send a Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in op- Now we have heard today that we are message about hope, let us send a mes- position to the disapproval resolution. really talking about normal trade rela- sage about freedom and democracy, let On critical issues relating to China we tions with China. Well, I too do not us send a message about prosperity, in- need a policy, not a protest. think it is normal trade relations. dividual liberty, and the rules of law. We do have serious problems with What we have is an unfair trading rela- I strongly support institutions and China; let us not paper them over: tionship with China. But, OK, a normal organizations that promote American human rights, national security, trade. trading relationship with Communist values abroad. I always have. I do so But for too long we have gone through China, yes, it is an unfair, irrational, because I think America can be a shin- the annual spasm over MFN only to unbalanced relationship that is unfair, ing example to the world, and I think more or less forget about China the yes, to the American people and put- these groups send powerful messages rest of the year. It is time for more ting our own country at risk. Why our about America. When our people work sustained and serious effort. Congress corporate elite keeps pushing to main- abroad, they carry with them the best needs to roll up its sleeves, not throw tain MFN is easy to see, but we have to of what America has to offer, principles up its hands. get a little bit below the surface. of fairness, of individual responsibil- On economics and trade, our prob- This is not about whether we should ities and individual choice. Those are lems with China are rooted in a fun- sell our products to China or corpora- embodied with American businesses damental change that has taken place tions can still sell their products to and organizations when they work in the nature of international trade. In China. Extending MFN means that abroad. earlier decades trade was mainly these corporations will continue to get This is the best way for America to among industrialized nations, and the taxpayer subsidies. That is what it is carry its message. Let us not isolate focus of trade negotiations was on tar- about. When these big corporations go ourselves. But do not listen just to my iffs and later market access. But today to China to use their slave labor or words. Listen to those of others who economic competition is increasingly near slave labor, what they want is the have argued that a vote for MFN is a between industrialized and developing taxpayers of the United States to guar- vote for religious freedom in China. nations, often with centrally managed antee their interests on their loans and Listen to these words of Reverend economies with dramatically lower guarantee the loans so it is easier for Sirico, a Paulist priest in China. Quote: wage and salary levels sustained by them to set up manufacturing units Sanctions won’t bring freedom for reli- government intervention. using slave labor in China than to do it gious expression in China. They can only fur- These fundamental economic issues in the United States. ther isolate China and close off avenues for with China cannot be addressed This is an abomination, an attack greater Western influence. through the annual MFN debate; they against the well-being of the people of A vote for MFN is a vote for the peo- can be addressed directly through ne- the United States who are paying those ple of Hong Kong. Listen to the words gotiations about China’s accession to taxes. We end up putting them out of of Chris Patten, Governor of Hong WTO, and they can be addressed as to work so they can set up these compa- Kong: other developing nations through com- nies and make a bigger profit in China. Unconditional most-favored-nation trade prehensive, hardheaded fast track leg- It is a terrible policy; it is unfair to our status is unequivocally the most valuable in- islation. own people. surance America can present to Hong Kong I urge all of my colleagues to By the way, this unfair trading rela- during the handover period. confront these key issues, persuade the tionship burdens our goods when we A vote for MFN is the best hope for media to shine the light on them and want to sell over there that are made democracy. Listen to these words of help the administration play a central by our laboring people with a 35-per- Nick Liang, a former student leader in role by addressing them as we take up cent tariff. Their goods flood into the Tiananmen: fast track and China’s WTO accession. United States of America with a 2-per- The spirit of the Tiananmen Movement is MFN has become a diversion rather cent tariff. Yes, that is what we are not one of confrontation, not one of hatred, than an answer. I oppose this resolu- talking about today, not most-favored- not one of containment, but of engagement. tion. nation status. What we are talking As one of the students from Tiananmen car- Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker I yield about is an unfair trading relationship rying on this spirit, I support MFN trade sta- myself 30 seconds to respond. that we want to end by ending most-fa- tus, which is a very primary and effective ve- It has been brought up that we have vored-nation status with China. hicle of engagement. normal trade relations with China. The trade deficit with Communist Mr. Speaker, let me end with this That is absolutely not true. We did not China is expected to be $50 billion this quote by Daniel Su, an evangelical have normal trade relations with the year. What are they using that money minister who spoke privately to some Soviet Union because we did not grant for? Again they are using that money of us last week, and his words rang in H4248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 my ears then and they ring here today. wages. This environment is the direct result of in our message to the Chinese Government. He was talking about why this debate our policy of engagement. This annual debate over whether we will con- and the motives of those, who support Clearly, civil liberties and personal space tinue our political and economic relations with or oppose MFN. Either way, we should have increased over the past two decades as China destructive and counterproductive. It not question those motives. They are the Chinese economy has improved. In my hampers our ability to formulate a comprehen- honorable, but Daniel Su also urged op- view, the ongoing process of political reform in sive and effective policy toward the region. ponents of MFN to think about the China would be severely compromised if we And I think it is time for it to end. consequences of their opposition. He were to erect barriers to trade and economic Thus, I strongly urge my congressional col- said these words: exchange between our two countries. This is leagues to renew MFN status for China. His- To sacrifice ourselves for a principle is he- reason enough to support renewal of China's tory has shown that economic growth is the roic. To sacrifice others for that same prin- most-favored-nation trading status. most effective catalyst for political change. ciple is insensitive. But there are other reasons. In just a few The principles of freedom and individual liberty Mr. Speaker, let us not sacrifice the weeks the world will watch as Hong Kong un- embodied in economic liberalization will ulti- Chinese people on our principles. Let dergoes the peaceful transfer of sovereignty mately prevailÐbut only if we have the politi- us support MFN. Oppose this resolu- from Britain to China. If we pass the resolution cal courage to allow them to flourish. tion. of disapproval in the House of Representa- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 This past January 1 led a 22-member, bi- tives on the very eve of this transfer, what minute to the gentleman from Rhode partisan congressional delegation on a fact- message will we send to the world and the Island [Mr. KENNEDY]. finding mission to Hong Kong and China to people of Hong Kong? That America wants to Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. see first hand the impact that the United turn its back on them, break economic and po- Speaker, let us see what the appease- States policy of engagement is having on the litical ties with that region, and abandon its ment strategy of MFN has gotten us. On military aggression China sales of Chinese economy and the Chinese people. I citizens at the precise hour of their greatest weapons to Iran are well-documented. was truly astounded to see all the positive need? I do not think that is what the United But even worse than being well-docu- changes that have occurred since my first visit States stands for. mented, China defends their sale of to that country in 1994, and I returned more I also fear that passing the resolution of dis- weapons to Iran. committed than ever to our policy of economic approval in the House will result in a backlash We have heard about the trade deficit and political engagement. against American goods and American values. approaching nearly $50 billion a year. The changes we witnessed in China reflect It would be nothing less than a unilateral dec- Those are jobs, my colleagues. Between many of the changes we have seen grip other laration of political and economic war, provid- 1989 and 1994, our trade deficit with Asian nations. Over the past decade, eco- ing just cause to hard-line elements in the Chi- China increased tenfold. I wonder why. nomic liberalization has generated powerful nese Government who advocate more state Well, maybe it is because despite the currents of democracy and freedom that have control and less foreign influence. fact that they have agreed to end trade rippled throughout Asia. These currents have I fear the result will be the exile of groups and prison labor it is estimated that reshaped the socioeconomic landscape of the associated with the United States who pro- between 6 and 8 million Chinese are region. mote western values. Groups such as the enslaved in labor camps. I thought Economic growth, driven by United States International Republican Institute, which works they said they gave us their word they policies of free markets, free trade, and to develop the rule of law in China and were not going to engage in slave labor peaceful dialog among nations, has allowed strengthen the nascent village democracy any more. Whoops, small detail there. countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan movement, would be discredited. Missionary Well, according to Amnesty Inter- to emerge as prosperous industrialized na- organizations, like the Evangelical Fellowship, national, this is continued every year. tions. Invariably, economic growth in these na- would no longer be welcome. We would be In addition, over 3,500 documented exe- tions has led to expansion of individual free- extinguishing some of the brightest rays of cutions occur every year in jails in dom and liberty. Today, these countries have hope to the Chinese people, ultimately hurting China. developed into true democracies characterized the very people we are trying to help. My colleagues, vote ‘‘yes’’ on the res- by political pluralism, functioning independent Maintaining normal trading relations with olution and ‘‘no’’ on MFN. political parties, and greater respect for the China does not mean that we can't also speak Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 rights of the individual. frankly and firmly to the Chinese Government minutes to the gentleman from Mis- Admittedly, these changes did not occur about issues and values important to us. souri [Mr. SKELTON]. overnight. They were part of a long-term, evo- There are opportunities where we can and Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to lutionary process. I believe we are seeing the should let our concerns about human rights, speak against the resolution to dis- same forces of change at work today in China. trade, and nuclear proliferation be known. I approve. It boils down to whether my I am convinced that if we remain steadfast in have certainly done so in my meetings with colleagues want China inside the tent our policy of engagement, with confidence that top Chinese leaders. But if we disengage, if or outside the tent. American values of freedom and democracy we pull back our most effective resources, Now all of this China business, there will ultimately prevail over the tyranny of re- what incentive will those Chinese leaders have is one segment of trade that has not pression and the economic stagnation that ac- to listen to, or care about, what we have to been discussed as thoroughly as it company state controlled economies, we will say? should, and that segment is agricul- ultimately see the same economic and political I certainly think there is more that we can tural exports. So today I speak for the transformation in China that we have seen in do. For example, I favor bringing China into American farmer, I speak for the rural Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. the World Trade Organization on commercially Missourians who sell products abroad. Two decades ago, virtually every aspect of viable terms. I think doing so would oblige the United States should again extend Chinese society was under state control. Chinese leadership to implement difficult do- normal trade status to China. Failure Today, more than half of China's output is mestic economic reforms while providing the to do so will jeopardize American agri- generated by private enterprise. The develop- United States with a strong multilateral vehicle cultural sales to that country that last ment of a strong, vibrant, private sectorÐpar- for dealing with issues such as market access year topped $3 billion. Overall, our ticularly in southern ChinaÐcontinues to in China. country enjoys a substantial agricul- weaken centralized control. This, I think, con- I also favor accelerating and funding efforts tural trade surplus with China of $21⁄2 tinues to represent the best hope for political to work with the Chinese to promote the rule billion. Moreover, agricultural exports freedom to spring full-blown in China. of law and encourage and support the village to China stand to gross significantly in Economic liberalization and growth of trade election process. In fact, I am currently work- the coming years as income growth in and economic links with the United States ing with Representatives JOHN PORTER of Illi- China leads to continuing dietary im- over the past two decades already have en- nois and DAVID DREIER of California to exam- provement. hanced freedom for the Chinese people. That ine just such an approach. Let us look at some of the sales sta- is undeniable. Millions of Chinese citizens are But one thing is clear. The United States tistics that we have. Nineteen hundred now employed in non-state enterprises, and must remain a major influence in Asia. We ninety-six corn sales to China topped 90 they have the basic freedom to select their must strengthen our relations with our allies million bushels; fertilizer, $1.1 billion; own employment and to change jobs when and maintain a strong military presence in the wheat, $426 million; cotton, $736 mil- they are dissatisfied with working conditions or region. And we must be clear and consistent lion; soy beans, $414 million; soybean June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4249 meal, $116 million; soybean oil, $104 that the United States believes in The United States should use our million, and poultry, $408 million. something more than the blind pursuit trade laws to pressure China for great- China is already a major market for of trade. er access for American companies and American agricultural exports and has Do I wish the President would step up goods. I am voting against MFN for the potential to become an even bigger to the plate and do his job? Absolutely, China because we need to let China and customer as the economy continues to yes. But absent that leadership, what our trade leaders know that more of grow. So for the American farmer, for choice does Congress have? Denying the same from China is not acceptable. the Americans and those who live in MFN will not solve all of our problems If our Government wants support for rural Missouri and rural America, I say with China, but at least someone will free trade, then it must insist on fair let us continue to sell agricultural have signaled to the leadership in and equal standards and compliance products to that country. Beijing that trade with America is not with our trade laws. When that hap- b 1215 just a right, but a privilege. pens, there will be broader support for Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 MFN. Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minute to the distinguished gentleman Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gen- from Florida [Mr. FOLEY]. minutes to the distinguished gen- tleman from New York [Mr. PAXON]. Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tleman from New York [Mr. RANGEL]. (Mr. PAXON asked and was given opposition to this resolution to deny (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his re- MFN trading status for China. Many of permission to revise and extend his re- marks.) us share great reservations about the marks.) Mr. PAXON. Mr. Speaker, it is with fate of Hong Kong under Chinese rule. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in great sadness that I rise today to op- Most of us also share deep concerns support of the President’s decision to pose the renewal of MFN for China. about human rights abuses, whether extend most-favored-nation status to This decision has been a difficult one those abuses are in China or elsewhere. the products of China for another year, for me. I am a firm believer in free But denying MFN to China is the and urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ trade. wrong way to address these issues. on House Joint Resolution 79. Trade is of vital importance to Amer- Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten As most of my colleagues know, we ican jobs and the world economy, but has made it crystal clear that denying are not really talking about giving our foreign policy is about more than MFN status will only hurt Hong Kong. privilege or favorable treatment to the simply trade. There are sound argu- His quote: ‘‘For the people of Hong Republic of China; what we are talking ments on both sides of this debate. Kong,’’ he said, ‘‘there is no comfort in about is treating them as we would There are no black and whites here, the proposition that if China reduces normal trading partners. there are no absolutes, except one: the their freedoms, the United States will I think, too, one of the reasons I sup- absolute failure of the Clinton adminis- take away their jobs.’’ port it is because this is not just a tration to effectively represent Amer- Christian missionaries are also plead- trade issue, it is a foreign policy issue, ican interests and values on the world ing with us not to endanger their work and I think the President and the State stage. and their people by denying MFN. We Department should have more informa- I wish I could stand here today and cannot address the issue of human tion as to where we can go as a nation support MFN. Each of the four times rights in China, or anywhere, if we are and what proper tools we have avail- that President Clinton has asked this not engaged, and we cannot help Hong able to use in order to bring the entire body to renew, I have given him my Kong retain its freedoms and its status free world around to understanding vote. But when the Clinton-Gore ad- as the center of trade if we undercut that democracy really and truly works. ministration fails to use our trade rela- our influence there and undercut Hong It seems to me that boycotts and tionship to promote free and fairer Kong’s economic health. using trade as a weapon can only work trade, encourage human rights im- From my days as a real estate broker if we have a consensus among the provements, or to limit the prolifera- I can tell my colleagues that we gain world leaders that we are going to be tion of arms, it is time to try some- nothing if we are not at the table. We working collectively. Here we see a sit- thing else. cannot serve our interests or those of uation which should be proven to us by I will admit it: Trade for trade’s sake our clients by being absent during a the embargo against Cuba that there is the closest thing this administration closing. If we are not in the room, we are too many countries willing to fill has to a consistent foreign policy, but are not a player, period, and that goes the vacuum that America would leave, the world is more complex than that, for trade as well. if we just decided unilaterally that we and American foreign policy is about I urge opposition to this resolution had a higher sense of human rights more than champagne toasts and cav- denying MFN trading status for China. than the people that we were dealing iar receptions. Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 with. This administration’s failures are not minute to the gentlewoman from Con- It is just hard to see what our history limited to Asia. Their debacles litter necticut [Ms. DELAURO]. of doing business with dictators in the globe from the Middle East to Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want South America and around the world, central Africa. Clinton-Gore foreign to build a strong relationship between including the former Soviet Union, policy has made a mockery of this Na- the United States and China, but the than how with China we find this new tion in the eyes of the world. We have most-favored-nation status that China high moral standard in dealing with gone from being the world’s policeman enjoys has done little to build a strong them. It is not as though withdrawing to its Keystone cops. Today, bumper and mutually beneficial relationship and not communicating is going to im- sticker slogans substitute for honest between our two Nations. prove the situation. Most no one denies dialog and fundraisers have replaced China has engaged in unfair trade that job creation in our country can be fact-finding. practices, pirated intellectual prop- the difference in whether we trade or America is best represented, I be- erty, spread weapons and dangerous whether we do not, or whether someone lieve, by a cohesive, coherent, and dis- technology to rogue nations, sup- else gets the jobs. ciplined foreign policy executed by the pressed democracy, encroached on Mr. Speaker, on the question of President of the United States. Sadly, democratic reforms in Hong Kong, and human rights, I would just like to say the current administration refuses to engaged in human rights abuses. that our great Nation exceeds the address seriously even the most basic They have profited. They send one- world in the number of humans that we of human rights, trade, and national third of their exports to the United have incarcerated per capita. If we security concerns when it comes to States and allow only 1.7 percent of take a look at the profile of those peo- United States-China relations. American exports to crack the Chinese ple that are locked up and have had I will be the first to admit it: Denial market. The result? A $40 billion trade their liberties taken away from them, of MFN to China would be at best a deficit which is expected to reach a and knowing the fact that statistically blunt, imprecise instrument, but I be- staggering $50 billion by the end of this people who look like them will be end- lieve it would send a message to China year. ing up in jail, we would be hardpressed H4250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 on American soil to explain that we are stopped any sales of ring magnets that (Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given not talking about political prisoners. are used to make ICBM’s sold to Paki- permission to revise and extend his re- Most all of these people, at least 80 stan? Have we stopped the purchase of marks.) percent of them, come from poor com- the missile destroyers that were pur- Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, let us munities; one way or the other they chased from Russia, that have one pur- not surrender to the China lobby. I rise have been affected by drugs; most of pose, and that is to kill American sail- today to make known my strong sup- them of color; most all of them are ors and destroy American ships on the port for House Joint Resolution 79, dis- uneducated, untrained, and most of high seas? approving the extension of most-fa- them do not think much about their My colleagues have spoken of the vored-nation trading status to Com- lives and the lives of other people. It policy of engagement, but not one CEO, munist China. The debate that this would seem to me that if we really not one president, not one trade nego- body is now engaged in is of the utmost were concerned, we would find out the tiator can point to a single case of importance for American jobs today source, the poverty that exists in com- technology transfer or military trans- and the security of our Nation tomor- munities, the failure of our school sys- fer that they have stopped by engaging row. tem to work, and to see how close to 2 with the Chinese, nor can any of them Let me say that I know my col- million people could possibly enjoy the really point to any attempts that they leagues in this Chamber want nothing benefits of expanded trade which we have made to stop this amassing of more than for our trade deficit with hope this great Nation will be looking military capability in China and the China to narrow, for human rights to forward to. transferring of military capability to improve, for the grave incidents of nu- What I am saying is that we all are outlaw nations around the world. clear and weapons proliferation to So in the balancing of interests, we seriously concerned about the human cease, and finally, for democracy to are getting about the same exports rights of every individual, and we take root in China. Let us be honest that we get to Belgium, which is very should be, but I do not want any coun- about this discussion. There is not a little, and in return for that we are try ridiculing or telling my country, single Member in this body who does the greatest republic in the free world, making China strong with hard Amer- ican dollars. They are militarizing with not want to achieve these laudable what we are doing wrong. I do not want goals. anyone setting these standards for my their strength, and the same children, the 5- and 6-year-olds playing with that But I have come to realize that the country. annual exercise of renewing China’s I think that the fights that we have, made-in-China Tickle Me Elmo today, may well be facing us on a battlefield most-favored-nation status has been a we are able to fight back because we complete failure in its annual exercise have the opportunity to do it. We have in Korea when they are 17 or 18 years old. Vote against MFN for China. of futility. In fact, continuing MFN the ability to try to impress each treatment for China has been based other, to make America better, and I Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman upon a series of broken promises. First, think the only way we can get this idea we have heard that engagement is crit- across to other countries is to be there from Sanibel, FL [Mr. GOSS], chairman ical for the United States to achieve its and let them see who we are, how we of the House Permanent Select Com- economic goals with China. We ought succeed to have a better life. I think it mittee on Intelligence. (Mr. GOSS asked and was given per- to engage the American worker, that is is true in Cuba, if we went there and mission to revise and extend his re- what we need to engage, in America, to showed them what American capital- marks.) protect our jobs and stop shipping ism is like, and I think that the United Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the them across the ocean. States as an economic showcase has distinguished gentleman from Califor- We ought to visit China, but we changed the lives of many people in nia for yielding me this time. should visit the shops and factories in China. I continue to believe that we must our own districts back home where Mr. Speaker, by continuing the dia- remain engaged in China; clearly the log and creating the jobs on this side of those folks have to work, where those power to be reckoned with both now folks need to be producing products the ocean, I truly believe that is a bet- and in the next century. However, I ter solution to the problem than us de- that need to be sent to China, not to have to say it is with increasing reluc- have a 35 percent duty or tariff on it, termining what human rights should tance this year that I am going to sup- be in the Republic of China. and ours a 2 percent, so China can send port these normalized trade relations. I goods to us and we cannot send goods Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 have just about had it. minutes to the gentleman from Califor- to them. As chairman of the Select Committee Mr. Speaker, our argument is not nia [Mr. HUNTER]. on Intelligence, I have two major con- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank with the Chinese people, it is with cerns: First, China’s flagrant and inex- their authoritarian government. The the gentleman for yielding me this cusable weapons proliferation activi- time. China lobby which did us in in the end ties; no denying it. Specifically, the of the Second World War is alive and Mr. Speaker, this Tickle-Me-Elmo provision of advanced weapons sys- made in China is more coherent than well in Washington, DC. We should tems, equipment, and technologies to make the decision for our workers and the trade policy of the Clinton admin- nations, including some that are hos- working Americans, instead of shipping istration. tile to America, that are known to Let me turn this fellow off. jobs across the ocean. have active programs to develop weap- Trade is a balancing of interests. Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ons of mass destruction. I want to be Whether we engage with a nation with minutes to the distinguished gen- sure President Clinton knows how seri- respect to trade is a balancing of inter- tleman from Oregon [Mr. ous this is; I want to hear him say it, ests. BLUMENAUER]. What are we getting? We are getting I want to hear him say he is going to (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was a smaller export to China than we get do something about it. given permission to revise and extend The other issue clouding the debate to Belgium. They are not a major trad- his remarks.) for me is the serious allegation that ing partner except for the one-way Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, Chinese officials engaged in improper street, except for the $50 billion-plus this is a high water mark for me in the and possibly illegal activities to influ- last 2 years I have been able to be in coming back to China, the trade sur- ence the outcome of U.S. elections. plus that they enjoy over us, the enor- Congress, being able to be a part of this mous sales throughout our Wal-Marts b 1230 discussion on our relationship with and K-Marts with hundreds and hun- This matter is still unresolved, and it China. It is bipartisan, it makes a dif- dreds of products, many of which are deserves cooperation, and I hope also ference, it is Congress at its best and made by the People’s Liberation Army, we will get the cooperation of the ad- its most exciting. and what are we getting in return for ministration on this. Over the last 25 years, since Presi- that? Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 dent Nixon reversed our policy of iso- Have we stopped any of the poison minutes to the gentleman from New lating ourselves from China and the gas sales to Iran by China? Have we Jersey [Mr. PASCRELL]. rest of the world, we have seen a safer June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4251 and more prosperous world. It helped compromise. China in the very near fu- our fifth largest trading partner, accounting for hasten the end of the cold war, it helps ture can become a strategic threat, and $12 billion of United States exports. keep peace today on the Korean penin- this strategic threat is more important A number of religious groups in and out of sula, where China is one of the few to us than trade. China favor MFN. Taking away MFN will only countries that actually exercises some The esteemed Frank Gaffney, the di- hurt the Chinese people, particularly those control over the North Koreans. It has rector of the Center for Security Pol- who are persecuted because of religious faith. pointed toward more prosperity and icy, this is what he said: ‘‘China is uti- Engagement does not mean we support all freedom for the Chinese. Even the lizing most of the huge trade surplus of China's policies. We should, and will con- progress with American missionaries that it enjoys, thanks to this privi- tinue to, press China on proliferation, human on the ground in China in the last half leged trading status, to mount a stra- rights, religions freedom, and the rule of law. dozen years would have been unthink- tegic threat to the United States and Revoking MFN? able 20 or 30 years ago. its vital interests in Asia, the Middle What in the world are we doing? We Most important, it has planted seeds East, and beyond.’’ have realized sanctions do not work. for a dynamic change in the future The United States trade deficit with They have not worked in other places with access to information and to mar- China is $40 billion for 1996 alone. Be- in the world, and they are not going to kets. The reason it sounds to people cause the State owns nearly all the work against the most populous nation today that we are talking about a mul- businesses in China, the hard currency on Earth. The Chinese people deserve tiplicity of countries is the fact that they receive from the United States to be free. The people in Hong Kong de- China, although large and with an an- trade deficit is used to purchase ad- serve to be free. The worst thing we cient culture, is complex and it is not vanced military weaponry, such as ad- can be doing is cutting off MFN now, monolithic. We cannot treat it as such. vanced naval vessels from Russia that before we find out what happens to the The notion that somehow MFN will can be a direct threat to the United people of Hong Kong. Six months from now, a year from force a monolithic Chinese ancient so- States in the western Pacific. now, if things go badly, maybe then, ciety to change and accommodate us is Our vote today is very important. maybe then we can cut off MFN, but misguided. It did not work during Keep the principles in mind. not now. Let us give the only hope for World War II, when there were over 1 Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I am freedom to the people of Hong Kong million Japanese soldiers on Mainland happy to yield 2 minutes to the gen- that we have. Let us extend normal China and we were giving them billions tleman from Metairie, LA [Mr. LIVING- trading relations. STON], the chairman of the Committee of dollars. The Chinese risked nuclear Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- on Appropriations. war and fought us to a draw in Korea, self such time as I may consume. and tens of thousands of Americans (Mr. LIVINGSTON asked and was I would like to comment, I have been needlessly died because we thought we given permission to revise and extend informed that the Dalai Lama did not could force China. It does not even his remarks.) endorse MFN and suggest that it was work with a two-bit dictator 90 miles Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I necessary. Quite the contrary, he sup- away with Cuba today. thank my friend for yielding time to ports our position. We need to engage the world to work me. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the with us, not cutting ourselves off from Mr. Speaker, the people of China are gentleman from Ohio [Mr. KUCINICH]. China, but to work cooperatively, pro- light years better off today than they Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in viding leadership. This Congress needs were 15 or 20 years ago. There is a opposition to most-favored-nation sta- to support policies that enable the ad- whole world of difference between the tus for China. The American people ministration to continue the process of way the Chinese people were treated by have heard that trade at all costs with engagement and progress. We need to their own Government back then and China serves United States interests, defeat this resolution. the way they are treated today. They but here are the figures. The United Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 are coming out in the open. They are States trade deficit with China has minutes to the gentleman from Florida gravitating toward Western styles, and grown at a faster rate than that of any [Mr. STEARNS]. maybe they will not even want to hear other major United States trading (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given that, but to democracy. They are not partner. The level of United States im- permission to revise and extend his re- open, they are not perfect. Everything ports from China more than doubled marks.) that everybody has said on the floor between 1992 and 1996. The United Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, the today is right about the atrocities States trade deficit was nearly $40 bil- question can be summed up in two committed by the Chinese Govern- lion in 1996, and it is on its way to sur- words: self-aggrandizement. Is our in- ment. But they are moving in the right passing that mark in 1997. terest in self-aggrandizement in this direction, and most-favored-nation sta- These figures mean lost jobs in the Nation more important than the prin- tus is important to preserve normal United States, and it is just beginning, ciples involved? Are we a Nation whose trading relations with China. because United States-based multi- purpose is expanding business at all If we cut them off, isolate them, are national corporations are investing to costs, no matter what? Or do we have a we going to enhance the plight of the build new plants and new equipment in Nation where some principles are im- Chinese people, or all the people they China. Contractual agreements with portant to us? Is expanding trade with control? Not according to Martin Lee, the Chinese Government require that China more important than the fun- who is the leader of democracy in Hong the supply of goods for those new fac- damental principles that define the be- Kong; not according to Chris Patten, tories will have to come from China as ginning of this Nation? Is the loss of the former Governor of Hong Kong, well, and that means more United trade harmful to the economy, so who is on his way out; not according to States jobs lost. harmful that we are willing to sacrifice the Dalai Lama from Tibet. These Human rights are important in this. any principle, or is there a higher good three leaders and proponents for de- Why have we tolerated for so long the in which to lead our Nation in our mocracy say that cutting off MFN for United States double standard of fierce trading practices? China is going to increase the prob- commitment to the rights of intellec- I believe there is a much higher pur- ability that people will be oppressed by tual property, important to multi- pose today. How can we support trade the Chinese Government. national business, while the rights of policy with a Nation that believes in If MFN is not extended, Hong Kong will workers in the United States and inde- the power of the State rather than the stand to lose $20±30 billion in trade and pendent thinkers in China are cast power of the people? We are subsidizing 60,000±85,000 jobs. Moreover, their economy aside? through our trade policy China’s eco- will be cut by over 50 percent and incomes Mr. Speaker, I say human rights are nomic interests, which is controlled by will be reduced by $4 billion. as important as copyrights. the State, and the people who are ex- The United States has an estimated Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 isting in that country get no benefit. 170,000 jobs dependent on exports to China. minutes to the distinguished gentle- Mr. Speaker, I do not pretend to United States exports have more than tri- woman from California [MRS. know all the answers. Maybe there is a pled over the last 10 years and China is now TAUSCHER]. H4252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 (Mrs. TAUSCHER asked and was ments, spread weapons of mass destruc- reject trade agreements whereby low- given permission to revise and extend tion, committed terrible human rights cost products of countries which lack her remarks.) abuses, both in China and in occupied effective labor laws are sold in the Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, this Tibet, and persecuted all those who United States at considerable profit for debate is what makes us different. It is pursue religious freedom, while at the these countries. exactly what should be happening in same time enjoying the privilege of an My second concern involves the trade this great country of ours. America open trade agreement with our own Na- deficit with China. This trade deficit should never base its decisions solely tion. now stands at $40 billion. It is expected on the power of economics. I commend The so-called constructive engage- that our trade deficit with China will those Americans, particularly those ment policy favored by the administra- exceed Japan’s within the next 12 Members of Congress, particularly my tion I think has been ineffective in months. In 1989, it was only $3 billion. good friend, the gentlewoman from moderating the Chinese Government’s Less than 10 years later, it is now $53 California, MS. NANCY PELOSI, for rais- policies. It has not brought about a billion. ing so many of the important issues re- level economic playing field for Amer- Mr. Speaker, that is not a trade pol- lated to extension of normal trade rela- ican businesses and exports. The situa- icy. It is a trade giveaway. I hope we tions to China. tion shows no sign of improvement. will all vote in favor of House Joint So it is with some reluctance that I What have we achieved in return? A Resolution 79. oppose this resolution and support ex- $40 billion trade deficit, which, by the Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 tension of MFN to China. Secretary way, is likely to top $50 billion this minutes to the distinguished gen- Madeleine Albright has stated, ‘‘En- year. tleman from California [Mr. DOOLEY]. gagement does not mean endorse- (Mr. DOOLEY of California asked and b 1245 ment.’’ I believe engagement does was given permission to revise and ex- mean opportunity, opportunity to ex- Chinese tariffs on American exports tend his remarks.) port our values and lifestyle, and an average 23 percent, a bewildering array Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. opportunity to promote a better and of nontariff barriers to United States Speaker, every year that I have been in more secure world for our children and goods. The piracy of our intellectual Congress we have had this debate re- the children of China. property and the intentional diversion garding China. The one thing that has I worked on Wall Street for 14 years and illegal transfer of American dual been very consistent and very constant before I left to raise my family. I rec- use technology. The key to a successful is that all Members, regardless of what ognize the opportunities economic in- policy of engagement is supposed to be their position is on China MFN, do tegration can provide. I believe there is reciprocity. The administration’s advo- agree that there are serious problems no greater opportunity or challenge in cacy for renewing MFN is a policy of with human rights in China, with nu- American foreign policy today than to appeasement, not reciprocity. China’s clear proliferation, with religious free- secure China’s integration into the weapons proliferation practices are a dom. And there certainly are trade bar- international system as a fully respon- source of international concern and riers. But what there is great disagree- sible member, not just in economic serve to embroil regional turmoil. ment on is, how can this country be terms, but in terms of human rights, We must be willing to use our tre- most effective in addressing and im- the environment, weapons prolifera- mendous economic influence in order proving upon those problems? tion, intellectual property protection, to stop any nation from violating I agree with what every President and other issues. international nonproliferation agree- since the 1980’s has agreed to, that it is I believe we can better influence Chi- ments. We should be willing to use our by maintaining economic engagement na’s direction by exposing them to our economic power to foster measurable with China that we are going to be Democratic ideals through engage- progress on human rights around the more successful in empowering the ment. We can effectively move the Chi- world. The government in Beijing has a citizens of China to be able to be more nese to change by increasing their ex- deplorable human rights record, and successful in improving their human posure to the alternative model. We the administration’s decision to delink rights situation. can work to end human rights abuses human rights from the MFN debate has Since many of my colleagues have by continuing the dialog through trade not helped but has contributed to a discussed many issues surrounding the and exchange. Revoking MFN would se- worsening condition in China. China debate, I want to spend a little verely damage American interests and A recent poll by a major United bit of time talking about agriculture. undermine our ability to influence Chi- States news outlet showed that nearly As a farmer from the most productive na’s direction. I urge my colleagues to two-thirds of Americans believe that agriculture region in the country, I be- vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution and sup- we should demand progress from China lieve that the most useful action the port extension of normal trade rela- on its human rights practices before tions to China. Federal Government can undertake is Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I have extending any trade privileges. I agree. to expand market access for agri- the distinct privilege of yielding 3 min- We should base our foreign policy on culture products. utes to the gentleman from New York the values that have made a great Na- Few people realize that China is cur- tion of America: democracy, freedom, [Mr. GILMAN], the chairman of the rently the sixth largest export market Committee on International Relations. universal human rights, and the rule of for United States agriculture goods. In (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given law. Accordingly, I strongly encourage 1996, China bought over $1.9 billion of permission to revise and extend his re- my colleagues to support this resolu- United States agriculture products. marks.) tion. I invoke the words of the great When we look to the future with 1.2 bil- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in American, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who lion people in China, with limited ara- strong support of this resolution, said a people that values its privileges ble land, it is now expected that China House Joint Resolution 79, offered by above its principles soon loses both. will consume almost 50 percent of the the distinguished chairman of the Com- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 increases in United States agricultural mittee on Rules, the gentleman from minute to the gentleman from Min- exports in the coming decades. New York [Mr. SOLOMON], disapproving nesota [Mr. STUPAK]. China is already No. 1, the world’s the extension of MFN trading status to (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given largest wheat importer, and in the last China. permission to revise and extend his re- 4 years China’s feed grain consumption Mr. Speaker, this legislation sends a marks.) has increased by over 50 million tons. clear signal to Beijing that our Nation Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, how can We must ensure that this country can does not reward unsavory economic we endorse products manufactured by be a reliable supplier to China. We and political practices. Our Nation slave labor, child labor, and prisoners? must not repeat some of the mistakes must do right and value principle over We as United States citizens and as of the past when this country put in practice. citizens of the international commu- place a grain embargo, when we acted The regime in Beijing repeatedly has nity, we cannot, we should not endorse unilaterally. The only people who suf- violated international trade agree- these Chinese labor practices. We must fered when we put in the grain embargo June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4253 were United States farmers. If we do I urge my colleagues to do the same. tleman from New York [Mr. LAFALCE], not choose to go forward with China Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ranking member of the Committee on MFN policy, we will in fact be putting minute to the gentleman from New Banking and Financial Services. another embargo that will also be uni- Jersey [Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN]. (Mr. LAFALCE asked and was given lateral which will ensure that it be will Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, permission to revise and extend his re- the United States farmers who will I rise in support of MFN for China. I marks.) have the most to suffer. Let us vote rise in support of the common sense Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, in Janu- against this resolution. proposition that we continue to nor- ary 1979, I was fortunate to be a part of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. malize trade relations with the Peo- the United States congressional delega- LAHOOD). The Chair would advise all ple’s Republic of China. We live in a tion that represented the United States Members that the gentleman from Illi- global economy and it simply makes no at the ceremonies reestablishing rela- nois [Mr. CRANE] has 321⁄2 minutes re- sense to turn our back on a nation of a tions between the United States and maining; the gentleman from Califor- billion people. It is in our own national China. That was the first time I was in nia [Mr. STARK] has 30 minutes remain- security interest as well as our eco- China. We met extensively with Deng ing; the gentleman from California nomic interest that we have normal re- Xiaoping; we viewed China. It was a [Mr. MATSUI] has 301⁄2 minutes remain- lations. drab, terrible place. But it was good ing; the gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. We are all concerned about human that we reestablished relations. BUNNING] has 17 minutes remaining; rights and individual freedom, but the This year, 18 years later, January and and gentleman from New York best way to promote those causes is to 1997, I had occasion to go to China [Mr. SOLOMON] has 31⁄2 minutes remain- be present in China with our values and again, met with President Jiang Zemin ing. our products. In my district alone I and saw China 1997. The Chair recognizes the gentleman have heard from large and small com- Mr. Speaker, I doubt that any coun- from Kentucky [Mr. BUNNING]. panies whose futures for products and try in the history of the world has ad- Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 jobs largely depend on new markets. vanced as much in an 18-year period as minutes to the gentlewoman from Mr. Speaker, I can think of no more China has. I doubt that the human Florida [Mrs. FOWLER]. important export to China than each rights condition of a people has ad- (Mrs. FOWLER asked and was given and every example of the American vanced in any country in the world as permission to revise and extend her re- success story. much in 18 years as China has. That marks.) I urge my colleagues to oppose this would not have happened had we not Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, almost resolution and to support MFN for reestablished relations. That would not exactly a year ago, I stood before this China. body to oppose extension of most-fa- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 have happened had we not established vored-nation trading status for the minutes to the gentleman from Ohio normal trading relations with China. So if Members want to pursue the People’s Republic of China. I did so [Mr. BROWN]. with reluctance because I am a strong Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, cause of human rights in China, con- supporter of business and I have a fun- every year China promises to open its tinue normal relations with China, do damental commitment to free trade, market to American products. Every not make the single largest foreign pol- also because I believe that the United year Congress grants most-favored-na- icy mistake in the history of the Unit- States should remain engaged with tion status to China. Yet nothing ed States. China, which is an emerging super- seems to change and we are about to do Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 power. it again. 1 ⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from However, I do not believe in com- MFN is a job killer for America. MFN Iowa [Mr. GANSKE]. merce at all cost. I could not in good is a job killer for America because (Mr. GANSKE asked and was given conscious support normal trade rela- China refuses to open its markets to permission to revise and extend his re- tions with the PRC in view of a number us. MFN is a job killer for America be- marks.) of the Chinese Government’s activities. cause China uses slave labor in prison Mr. GANSKE. Mr. Speaker, in 1995 I had hoped to be able to support MFN labor camps. MFN is a job killer for and 1996, I voted for MFN. This year I this year. But unfortunately, the ac- America because it uses child labor to will not. I will support this resolution. tions of the Chinese Government over make things like these Spalding golf Why the change? Well, it is not just the last 12 months and this administra- balls or this Mattel Barbie doll. one reason. I think that China’s human tion’s lack of a coherent response to Twelve-year-old Tibetan boys and girls rights record is no better and it may be those actions leave me no choice but to in slave labor camps in China make worse. Second, I know for sure that our oppose MFN once again. these soft balls for 12-year-old kids to trade deficit is worse because we are In addition to its egregious human play with on America’s playgrounds. not making any progress on bringing rights violations, including the use of Chinese children make these Barbie down their import tariffs. And we are slave labor, outrageous abuse and ne- dolls in sweatshops—12-year-old Chi- losing American jobs because of it. glect of baby girls and persecution of nese children make these Barbie dolls Third, we just learned that the Chi- Christians, the PRC continues to ac- in sweatshops—so America’s 12-year- nese sold cruise missiles to Iran. This tively engage in weapons proliferation olds can play with these Barbie dolls in places American troops in harm’s way. activities around the globe and to be a their bedrooms. And how about Chinese sales of nerve one-stop shopping center for Third Mr. Speaker, repression in China gas technology to Iran? World nations hoping to acquire or de- today is much more than an isolated Finally it appears that the Chinese velop weapons of mass destruction. mock trial here, a closed newspaper have tried to influence our own elec- These proliferation activities pose a there. Instead it encompasses the arbi- tions with illegal contributions. United clear and present danger to our na- trary arrest, torture, and execution of States-China policy made in China. tional security and to our young men thousands of prisoners of conscience. It Mr. Speaker, we need to send China a and women in uniform, and the current is systematic. It is wholesale. It is message. First, lower your tariffs. Sec- administration has done little or noth- thorough, it is complete. ond, stop persecuting religious freedom ing to address this situation. When I hear the State Department of speech. Third, stop selling weapons I believe that supporting MFN would say that no dissidents are known to be of mass destruction to terrorist states amount to tacitly approving both Chi- active in the People’s Republic of and, fourth, do not ever meddle in our na’s dangerous weapons and technology China, as it did in its 1996 human rights elections again. Vote ‘‘yes’’ for this sales and this administration’s lack of report, I am reminded of a line from resolution. a coherent policy for dealing with the Star Wars which is chillingly applica- Mr. Speaker, I include the following PRC. I can do neither and I will vote in ble to China. It is as if millions of for the RECORD: favor of this resolution as a way of voices cried out in terror and were sud- Today I vote on whether to extend most-fa- sending a message that this Congress denly silenced. vored-nation [MFN] trade status to China. Ev- will no longer tolerate the current Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 eryone agrees that the United States-China state of affairs. minutes to the distinguished gen- relationship is very important and I have spent H4254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 much time thinking about our country's rela- well documented human rights abuses, in vio- modern telecommunications, modern tionship with the most populous nation on lation of internationally accepted norms, stem- pharmaceuticals, and the like, I think Earth. I voted for China MFN the last time. ming from the authorities' intolerance of dis- was a real eye opener for all of us who This year I will not. Why the change? sent, fear of unrest, and the absence of laws were part of that delegation. I believe our foreign policy should promote protecting basic freedoms.'' It would be a mistake, a huge mis- democratic freedoms, stop the proliferation of Since the State Department release, addi- take, if we are going to think somehow weapons of mass destruction, and promote tional information has been provided to Con- that by revoking normal trade rela- U.S. exports. Indeed, since the Tiananmen gress about the Chinese Government perse- tions with China, the same relations Square massacre of 1989, Congress has been cuting evangelical Protestants and Roman we have with everybody else, if we re- concerned about China's violation of trade Catholics who choose to worship independent ject MFN, that we in fact have made a agreements, sales of weapons of mass de- of the government church, promoting a policy huge mistake in our trading relation- struction, and human rights violations. There is of forced abortions, and brutally repressing the ships with the largest country in the new information available on abuses in each people of Tibet. The takeover of Hong Kong world. of these areas. In addition, it appears that the by China is scheduled for July 1, 1997. Al- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Communist Chinese Government tried to influ- ready, the Chinese Government has moved to minutes to the gentleman from Oregon ence the outcome of our election in 1996. disband Hong Kong's democratically elected [Mr. DEFAZIO]. United States-China policy made in China. legislature and to repeal its bill of rights. Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, no one I believe that free markets around the world The current policy of so-called constructive will stand on this floor today to defend lead to higher standards of living for all. How- engagement has bolstered the Chinese Gov- China’s arms trafficking to terrorist nations, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Amer- ever, free markets mean free markets. The ernment and has made little progress in pro- ica’s enemies. But the apologists also United States, under MFN for China, levies an moting Chinese-United States fair trade, stop- say MFN is not a tool to stop illegal average 2 percent tariff on Chinese goods ping Chinese nuclear proliferation to countries traffic and weapons of mass destruc- coming into the United States. The Chinese which are dangerous to us, and in promoting tion. No one will stand on this floor levy a 35 percent tariff on United States goods the political freedoms we will be celebrating today to defend the human rights exported to China. Is it any wonder that the ourselves this 4th of July. A ``no'' vote by the atrocities of the Chinese regime. But United States trade deficit with China has House of Representatives on MFN would send the apologists will say MFN should not soared from $6 billion in 1989 to $50 billion a message to the Chinese regime and also to be used to defend human or labor projected in 1997? In January 1997 alone, im- the Clinton administration that the status quo rights. The apologists say MFN for ports from China were up 18 percent over the is not acceptable. China is just normal trade relations. month before and United States exports to b 1300 How can you have normal trade rela- China were down 28 percent. Despite the 1995 and 1996 intellectual prop- Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 tions with an outlaw regime? How can erty rights agreements, piracy of United States minutes to the gentleman from Ohio we have normal trade relations with the most unfair trading nation on software and CD's continues in China. In [Mr. OXLEY]. Earth? 1996, that piracy cost our economy over $2.3 (Mr. OXLEY asked and was given The Chinese systematically exclude billion. China wants our technology, requires a permission to revise and extend his re- marks.) nonstrategic United States goods. ``certification'' of that technology by Chinese First, there is a 23 percent tariff, on av- research and design institutes, and then dis- Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a productive engagement erage. Then they have their discrimi- seminates that technology to Chinese domes- natory 17-percent value-added tax, tic ventures. Is it any wonder that the CEO of with China, support of American jobs, in support of the people of Hong Kong, which often only gets added to United one of Iowa's largest seed companies told me States goods, not Chinese goods. Then, that they won't do business with China until in support of human rights, in support of religious freedom, and against the if that is not enough, they have non- his company's intellectual property is better tariff barriers that make the Japanese protected? resolution disapproval. I have had an opportunity to visit nontariff barriers look like the work of Congress has had concerns about Chinese amateurs. And finally, something sales of arms, but just this past week the China on three different occasions. And as my learned friend, the gentleman might somehow get past that they State Department officially informed Congress have unwritten rules that change day- from New York [Mr. LAFALCE], had that the Chinese Government has sold cruise to-day, port-to-port in China to keep missiles to Iran that enhance Iran's ability to said earlier, China has changed dra- matically, has changed dramatically out anything that might get past those disrupt Persian Gulf shipping and strike United barriers. much more than any of us could have States forces there. In addition Chinese com- The bottom line is, the only United anticipated in so many ways. panies have recently sold Iran chemicals and States goods allowed in are those that I remember having a discussion with technology that help Iran make nerve gas. enrich China’s corrupt leaders or add China has provided Iraq and Libya with mate- a young lady who was working in this to their store of critical technology rials to produce nuclear weapons, have pro- case for an American company in and military weaponry. Yeah, it is vided missile-related components to Syria and China on our most recent visit. She about jobs. It is about Chinese jobs, not have provided Pakistan with advanced missile had been educated here in the United American jobs. and nuclear weapons technology. States at a rather prestigious univer- With a $50 billion trade deficit this United States companies have sold super- sity and then went back to China and year, according to the Commerce De- computers to China that allow the Chinese to began working for an American com- partment’s own way of figuring exports do small underground nuclear tests at the pany based there. She told me that and imports, we will export 1 million same time that Chinese companies have ex- about 20,000 Chinese students are edu- United States’ jobs to China. Yes, this ported AK±47's to be used by gangs in Los cated in the United States, a total now is free trade. One-way Chinese free Angeles. of over 250,000 of the bright, elite peo- trade into America, the largest The United States should not ignore Chi- ple in China, the people who are the fu- consumer market on Earth, and not nese transfer of weapons technology to rogue ture of China, and that they have been through their protected barriers into nations like Iran when we are spending billions educated in the United States, have China. of dollars a year to promote Middle East gone back to their home country, and Stop the apologies. Stop the appease- peace. Furthermore, just last week United have participated in changing China in ment. Send the Chinese a tough mes- States military intelligence reported that the so many ways. sage they will respect. Chinese are developing an intercontinental And I thought to myself as I spoke to Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ballistic missile that will give Beijing a major this young lady that she really rep- minutes to the gentleman from Indiana strike capability against the Western United resented the future of China, that [Mr. ROEMER]. States within 3 years. China is changing dramatically and (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given In the human rights area, there was a re- continues to change in a positive way. permission to revise and extend his re- cent report released by the State Department And the fact that these students are marks.) in January 1997 stating, ``The (Chinese) Gov- going back and working for American Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ernment continued to commit widespread and companies based in China providing favor of normal trade status with the June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4255 Chinese. Back in 1919, then-President MFN to China. Just this week, a poll should mean more than selling fer- of the United States Woodrow Wilson came out and it is growing the opposi- tilizer. said this, and I quote, tion. It is now 67 percent against giving John F. Kennedy inspired the world We set this Nation up to make men free most-favored-nation status. It is not a when he said that human progress is and we did not confine our conception and third for. Only 18 percent would sup- more than a doctrine about economic purpose to America. port it at this point after this long de- advance. Rather, it is an expression of Now I say that for two reasons. One, bate. the noblest goals of our society. It says because in 1920, the United States, Furthermore, Americans are dissatis- that material advance is meaningless after 140 years, extended the right to fied with the current status quo. Re- without individual liberty and freedom. vote to women; 140 years. We did the cently, I got another letter from a Exercising economic sanctions right thing. We are still having prob- union in my area, the Machinist Union, against South Africa’s repressive re- lems in this Nation at times doing the and they echoed the concerns of this gime resulted in an advance of free- right thing. Yet Members of Congress poll. They echoed the concerns that dom. But in our Chinese engagement, parade down here and they want to see China has to open up its markets. We America’s efforts have resulted in cre- China do the right thing in 1 year, in 6 have very few products and very few ating more powerful oligarchs that months, in 2 weeks. commodities now going into China. But feast off our misdirected trade policies. I think what Woodrow Wilson said in they really had a loud voice in this let- Upend this abnormal trade relation- that quote was not only recognizing ter, and also in the poll, that said a ship, support the motion to disapprove. Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 that we stand up for human rights in country that tortures its own to keep minutes to the gentleman from Ten- this country, but we should insist on it the rest terrified is not acceptable. nessee [Mr. CLEMENT]. I would urge my colleagues to join in other countries. And that is what Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the American people and vote ‘‘yes’’ on constructive engagement is doing slow- the gentleman from California [Mr. ly, day by day. And if we go back to this resolution. MATSUI] for yielding me the time. when we recognized China, they can Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of a now vote for somebody that is not a minute to our distinguished colleague, more compelling argument made in the Communist and not be thrown in jail. the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. U.S. House of Representatives today There is tangible progress. EWING]. than the words of a very dear friend Now I know we have a lot of experts Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I am here and inspiration of mine, Dr. Billy Gra- here in this body on foreign relations. today, of course, to talk about most-fa- ham. As many of my colleagues re- But when we go to the real experts on vored-nation status. Much has been member, last February we bestowed a foreign relations and we are concerned heard about our bilateral trade deficit great honor on Dr. Graham and his about religious freedom, Billy Graham, with China. It is the same argument lovely wife Ruth, the highest award, the Reverend Billy Graham has writ- that protectionists use as a reason not the Congressional Gold Medal. ten, ‘‘Do not treat China as an adver- to trade with Japan. These protection- Dr. Graham is not a politician or a sary but as a friend.’’ ists argue that because we have a large policymaker. He is not going to be If my colleagues were concerned trade deficit with a specific country, pulled into the political debate. But he about human rights, ask Martin Lee, we should erect trade barriers or force understands China and he understands who is over there in the trenches. ‘‘Do them to purchase more American goods the world because he has traveled it ex- not take away MFN,’’ he says. If my to level the playing field. tensively. He said recently, and I think colleagues are concerned about Hong In the 1980’s, Japan was the culprit. he said it so well, ‘‘In my experience, Kong, Gov. Chris Patten says, ‘‘Do not Today it is China. And if China is nations respond to friendship just as take away MFN for Hong Kong or treating us unfairly simply because of much as people do.’’ China.’’ our trade deficits, then we are treating Dr. Graham is exactly right. MFN ap- Finally, for us, if we go forward and nations like Australia, Argentina, proval is not a vote or a referendum on revoke MFN, we will spend billions of Egypt, and Poland unfairly and they China’s behavior. It is a vote on how dollars in defense, with a new cold war should erect trade barriers to level the best to promote U.S. values. The only era, we will spend billions on environ- playing field with American products. way to change China is to continue to mental problems, and we will give up The fact is, all Americans run up life- engage China, not to declare economic billions to trade for the Japanese and long trade deficits with their local res- warfare. the Koreans. taurants, grocery store, department Mr. Speaker, please look at the big Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 store. We do not demand that our local picture. I firmly believe that without minutes to the gentlewoman from grocer or retailer purchase something MFN, human rights abuses will worsen Washington, Mrs. LINDA SMITH. from us in return for patronage. Of and the dream of achieving democracy Mrs. LINDA SMITH of Washington. course, that is where I believe the so- in America will dim. Vote ‘‘no’’ on Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give voice called fair traders are incorrect. It is House Joint Resolution 79 and ‘‘yes’’ to to millions of Americans who have difficult to find a majority of econo- the rising voices and change in China. grave concerns about America’s rela- mists who agree on anything, but they Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I yield tionship with China. I guess the rain- do agree erecting trade barriers hurts such time as he may consume to the bow to this long debate over most-fa- the nation doing it. gentleman from Indiana [Mr. BURTON]. vored-nation status for China has Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 (Mr. BURTON of Indiana asked and ended with Americans realizing that minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio was given permission to revise and ex- something is wrong, deeply wrong. [Ms. KAPTUR], a champion on this tend his remarks.) Americans know in their hearts and issue. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- minds the difficult social, moral, and Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker I rise in er, I strongly oppose MFN for China. economic issues involved. We knew support of the motion of disapproval My reasons to defeat MFN. something was wrong when we watched and ask the question: Why renew the HUMAN RIGHTS our President change his mind and terms of an abnormal relationship that Every year since 1980, when President turn his back on the issue of slave is not working? Have freedom and lib- Carter first extended China MFN, supporters labor, which he said he would change if erty of the Chinese people expanded? have argued that this action will help the Unit- he were elected. We knew something No. Repression has increased. Has the ed States promote human rights in China. was wrong when he decided that it no United States earned income from this It has failed. State Department's own Coun- longer made any difference that we saw trade deal? No. Our trade deficits with try Reports on Human Rights (January 1997) more labels ‘‘Made in China’’ that used China have exploded, as we watch admits: to be carrying proudly the ‘‘Made in China spend their dollar reserves to The Chinese Government continued to commit widespread and well-documented U.S.’’ label. arm themselves militarily while they human rights abuses, in violation of inter- Americans are weighing this issue, keep their tariffs against our goods at nationally accepted norms, stemming from and they are thoughtfully, thought- 40 percent, and give us no reciprocity the authorities’ intolerance of dissent, fear fully but adamantly, against giving in their market. For America, freedom of unrest, and the absence or inadequacy of H4256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 24, 1997 laws protecting basic freedoms. * * * Overall China. However, today we are not hav- MFN is the most valuable gift that America in 1996, the authorities stepped up efforts to ing a debate focused on those chal- has within its power to deliver to Hong Kong cut off expressions of protest or criticism. lenges. Instead, we are debating wheth- at this critical moment in its history.'' And And from Clinton's Assistant Secretary for er to impose 1930-era Smoot-Hawley Hong Kong is not aloneÐTaiwan also quite Asia: trade tariffs on China that the rest of appropriately, but too quietly, recognizes the Frankly, on the human rights front, the the world and China knows we will importance of MFN. Last year, key business situation has deteriorated * * * They’re never impose. leaders publicly supported normal trade rela- rounding up dissidents, harassing them This particular annual debate has be- tions between the United States and China. more. come highly counterproductive. It un- Mr. Speaker, the United States has con- In addition: Over 1,000 forced labor camps; necessarily wastes our precious foreign vinced nearly every other country in the region harvest and sale of organs from executed pris- policy leverage and seriously damages that the best way to avoid conflict is to engage oners; forced abortions; and persecution of re- our Government’s credibility with the each other in trade and closer economic ties. ligious believers. leadership of the PRC and with our al- Abandoning this basic tenet of our foreign pol- Nongovernment churches are outlawed. lies. It hinders our ability to coax the icy with China would be a serious shock and Independent worshipers of the government PRC into the international system of set back what we have been trying to achieve church are harassed and imprisoned. world trade rules, nonproliferation in the entire Asia-Pacific region. It would send Their house churches are being forcibly norms, and human rights standards. many countries scrambling to choose between closed or destroyed. Moreover, Beijing knows the United China or the United States. Opponents of MFN say that human rights in NATIONAL SECURITY States cannot deny MFN without se- China have not improved and that the human Selling nuclear material, weapons and mili- verely harming American companies rights situation in China has deteriorated. I tary technology to rogue states (ex: Iran) and workers, or without devastating certainly do agree that very serious human Purchased 46 American-made super- the economy of Hong Kong or Taiwan. rights problems remain including arbitrary de- computers which could design nuclear war- It is true, as MFN opponents argue, tentions, widespread religious persecution, heads for missiles capable of reaching the that ending normal trade relations suppression of nearly all political dissent, and United States. with China would deliver a very serious coercive abortion practices. But, it is simply COSCO lease of Long Beach Port gives blow to the Chinese economy, but the wrong to ignore the fact that since the United PLA base of operations in the United States. draconian action of raising the average States embarked on normal trade with China, TRADE weighted tariff on Chinese imports to 44 percent instead of the current aver- the day-to-day living standard of the Chinese Economic espionage: U.S. workers lose people has improved dramatically. Moreover, when U.S. technology is stolen. age of 4 to 5 percent would severely harm the United States economy as the denial of normal trade relations with China Violations of intellectual property rights: $40 will not directly improve the plight of those well. And after China’s certain retalia- billion trade deficit; 2 percent of United States courageous advocates of democracy and re- tion, many of the approximately 175,000 exports are allowed in China, 33 percent of form in ChinaÐindeed it may worsen their high-paying export jobs related to China's exports come to United States. plight and cause repressive action on many United States-China trade would dis- China charges American products with huge more Chinese citizens. tariffs: appear while France, Germany, Can- In making somewhat of an exit assessment Even if we would extend least-favored-na- ada, and other major trading nations on January 1, 1994, then-United States Am- tion [LFN] status to China, their tarrifs would would rush to fill the void. bassador Stapleton Roy said that in the his- But MFN is about much more than still tower ours. tory of China ``[t]he last two years are the best trade. China is an emerging power with China import tax on United States cars: 50 in terms of prosperity, individual choice, ac- a potentially wide range of interests percent. United States import tax on LFN cars: cess to outside sources of information, free- 25 percent, that is one-half the rate charged and influence around Asia. Ending nor- dom of movement within the country and sta- mal trade relations with the PRC by China. ble domestic conditions.'' Now, 31¤2 years after China duty on shoes: 50 to 60 percent. Unit- would not only send that economy into Ambassador Roy's observations, those gen- ed States duty on LFN shoes: 35 percent. a tailspin, making China’s neighbors eral trends continue; the Chinese people enjoy Allegations of attempting to influence our especially nervous, but would have a even more personal choice concerning their Presidential elections through campaign con- devastating impact upon Hong Kong career, education, or place of abode. Just last tributions. Vote ``yes'' for House Concurrent and Taiwan. For example, the Hong year modest legal reforms were advanced in Resolution 79. Kong Government estimates that as the area of criminal procedures which make it Yet, the administration has chosen to stand many as 86,000 Hong Kong workers more likely that individuals will be considered up to China on only one issue: intellectual would lose their jobs. innocent until proven guilty, will have a right to property rights. Mr. Speaker, ever since President Nixon a lawyer at the time of detention, and will be When they were faced with trade sanctions traveled to China, United States policy has able to challenge the arbitrary powers of the over this issue, they backed down. sought to promote a stable and peaceful Asia police. Although these reforms have far too If this type of muscular action is justified for where America's trade interests could be ad- many caveats that permit the government to the music industry, then it is justified for per- vanced without sacrificing security. Successive suppress political dissent, they nonetheless secuted Christians, murdered infants, and nu- administrations have made expansion of trade represent progress toward a rule of law in clear proliferation. We need to put away the relations and economic liberalization key te- China. carrots and break out the sticks. The Presi- nets of our China policy. The goal has been There have been other positive develop- dent's policy isn't just one of engagement, it's not only to expand United States trade, but ments in China. The National People's Con- a see-no-evil strategy. also to provide a means of giving China a gress showed small but encouraging signs of stake in a peaceful, stable, economically dy- b 1315 assertiveness by attacking a government re- namic Asia-Pacific region. This approach has port that failed to adequately address corrup- Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 worked well and protected not only our na- tion. Village elections, once the sole domain of minutes to the distinguished gen- tional interests, but also those of our friends local Communist party functionaries, have tleman from Nebraska [Mr. BEREUTER]. and allies. Immediately, U.S. dock workers, suddenly become contested eventsÐwith non- (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was transportation workers, and retail workers communists elected in many places. given permission to revise and extend would be harmed until alternative sources for For these reasons, many human rights lead- his remarks.) Chinese manufactured goods could be found. ers support normal trade relations. For exam- Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, as For example, the Hong Kong Government ple, Wei Jingsheng, a prominent dissident still chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia estimates that as many as 86,000 Hong Kong jailed for his eloquent and strongly held demo- and the Pacific, I oppose House Joint workers would lose their jobs if the United cratic beliefs, urges the United States to con- Resolution 79. States ended normal trade relations with tinue MFN. Similarly, Martin Lee, a democratic There is perhaps no more important China and, almost incredibly, they project that leader in Hong Kong, argued for unconditional set of related foreign policy issues for Hong Kong's gross domestic product would renewal of MFN on his recent visit to the Unit- the 21st century than the challenges decline by nearly half. That is why Governor ed States. and opportunities posed by the emer- Patten recently stated in a letter to Members Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Asia gence of a powerful and fast-growing of Congress that ``unconditional renewal of and the Pacific Subcommittee, this member June 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — 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.