As the United States House of Representatives votes this week on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China, Congressional candidate Tim Steele (Democrat, 3rd District) announced that he favors granting PNTR to China.
"I completely understand the reticence of the groups opposing PNTR," Steele said. "But if I were in the House of Representatives today, I would vote to grant PNTR to China for a number of reasons.
"First, every year for the past 20 years, Congress has granted Most Favored Nation status to China. Granting PNTR would eliminate the annual fight this issue generates throughout our country. However, Congress retains the ability to revoke PNTR at any point in time.
"Last week, Rep. Sander Levin and Rep. Doug Bereuter came up with a plan to staff a permanent Congressional-Executive Committee to monitor human rights in China, and safeguard US markets from surges of Chinese imports. This is a good plan, ensuring a more thorough review of our trade issues in China than the usual ad hoc committees.
"Secondly, it makes no sense for the United States to ignore the world's most populous country and an emerging superpower. If you want to effect change, the best way to accomplish that is through engagement. Over the past 20 years, there have been vast changes in China. Admittedly, these changes may not be as sweeping or quick as we would like, but they underscore the difference that constructive engagement brings over time.
"As our world grows ever smaller, we must find ways to keep the conversation going, even when we disagree with others. That is in our long-term best interest.
"The world is rapidly evolving. Although there are powerful reasons currently to want to deny PNTR to China, we must take the longer view. We will be judged in five, ten or fifteen years on our actions today. That's why, if I was a member of the House today, I would vote in favor of granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China."
For further comment or interviews, contact Tim Steele directly at (616) 974-9600.
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Tim Steele