Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

22 July 1998

TEXT: PRESIDENT WELCOMES HOUSE VOTE TO EXTEND CHINA MFN

(Vote shows active engagement with China is effective) (320)
Washington -- President Clinton welcomed the vote in the House of
Representatives July 22 to extend normal trade relations with China.
"This vote reflects my conviction that active engagement with China --
expanding our cooperation while dealing forthrightly with our
differences -- is the most effective way to advance our interests and
values," the president said in a statement released July 22.
The measure, which passed by a margin of 264-166, covered the renewal
of most-favored-nation (MFN) trading status, which the administration
now calls "normal trade relations" since it applies to a vast majority
of U.S. trading partners.
Following is the official text of the White House statement:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
Washington, D.C.
July 22, 1998
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Normal Trade Relations with China
I welcome the strong, bipartisan vote in the House today to extend
normal trade relations with China.
This vote reflects my conviction that active engagement with China --
expanding our cooperation while dealing forthrightly with our
differences -- is the most effective way to advance our interests and
values. Over the past year and during my recent trip to China,
engagement has produced tangible results and steady progress on vital
issues -- fostering political and economic stability in Asia; stopping
the spread of weapons of mass destruction; combating international
crime and drug trafficking; protecting the environment; promoting
human rights and religious freedom.
Trade is a vital part of engagement -- supporting jobs here at home,
lowering product prices, and helping us to build ties to nearly one
quarter of the world's people. Normal trade relations with China will
help us strengthen those ties and continue our efforts to make China
an increasingly open and productive partner for America.
(end text)