Clinton signs Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China (Oct 2000)
Contemporary CNN summary: http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/10/10/clinton.pntr/
This act permanently normalized trade relations with China. It also allowed China to join the WTO, which lowered their tariffs significantly and allowed them access to sell goods in the US market. Previously, under the Nixon era policy, an annual review was required to maintain normal trade relations.
Some interesting quotes:
- Clinton: "China will open its markets to American products [...] and our companies will [...] sell goods without moving factories or investments there."
- *Clinton: "[Open markets] will strengthen those in China who fight for decent labor standards, a cleaner environment, human rights and the rule of law"
- Clinton: "trade with China will not only extend our nation's unprecedented economic growth, it offers us a chance to help to shape the future of the world's most populous nation"
- CNN: "Some opponents worried that the U.S. would be unable to influence Beijing over human rights concerns without a yearly vote on trade. To counter those concerns, the legislation calls for setting up a congressional-executive commission to monitor human rights in China"