Text: Vice President Gore Statement on Senate PNTR Vote
(Passage of China trade bill benefits U.S. economy, security)

The White House issued a press release from the office of Vice President Gore following the Senate's September 19 vote to extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status to China.

Following is the text of the press release:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, September 19, 2000

STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT ON THE PASSAGE OF PNTR

Trade has been an important part of our economic expansion and prosperity. Open markets spur innovation, speed the growth of new industries and make our businesses more competitive. Today's action by the Senate will mean more good jobs for American workers and more opportunities for American farmers and businesses. It will also promote America's security because bringing China into the global trading system will help accelerate the rule of law in that country.

Passage of PNTR is important for our economy and our security, but it is only part of what we must do to assure that America's workers and interests will fully benefit from the global economy. We must combat unfair trade practices abroad when they harm our working families. We must also be vigilant in monitoring China's record on human and worker rights, non-proliferation, and protection of the environment.

(end text)

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

---

Return to The United States and China.

Return to IIP Home Page.