Text: USTR Barshefsky Statement on PNTR for China
(Barshefsky praises Senate passage of PNTR for China)

Following is the text:

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USTR Barshefsky Praises Senate Passage of PNTR for China

United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky today issued the following statement regarding the Senate's 83-15 vote to approve Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) for China:

"Today's vote will stand as an historic landmark in U.S.-China relations and marks the most significant step forward since the opening of China in 1972. When it enters the WTO, China will more fully join the community of nations governed by the rule of law. Granting PNTR for China not only provides tremendous economic opportunities for U.S. workers, farmers and businesses, it is also the best way to promote reform in China and stability in the region.

"China's WTO accession agreement is the capstone of the nearly 300 trade agreements negotiated by the Clinton Administration. It embodies the President's use of trade policy, coupled with broader economic and foreign policies, as a means to promote prosperity at home and peace abroad."

Barshefsky thanked Senators Lott, Daschle, Moynihan, Roth, Baucus and Grassley for their leadership and assistance in passing PNTR for China.

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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