Calls to revoke China’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status have grown louder in recent months, with increasing concerns over China’s unfair trade practices, human rights abuses, and lack of accountability. In a memo released on the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump asked his Cabinet members to reassess legislative proposals regarding PNTR. This was followed by the introduction of a bipartisan bill by Republican Representative John Moolenaar and Democratic lawmaker Tom Suozzi to revoke China’s PNTR status.
China has held PNTR status since 2000, when Congress first passed legislation on the matter. Prior to that, Beijing’s trade status was reviewed annually. However, as the relationship between the U.S. and China has gone through dramatic changes since China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, concerns over China’s trade practices and human rights violations have only intensified.
In a recent interview with VOA, Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, who proposed legislation with Republican lawmaker Chris Smith to revoke China’s PNTR status, highlighted China’s abuse of America’s goodwill and the theft of American technology. He also mentioned China’s establishment of police stations in various cities across the U.S. as a concerning development.
Tiffany believes that China’s PNTR status should be renewed annually, rather than being a permanent status. This, he believes, would hold China accountable and prevent them from taking advantage of American consumers and businesses. He also mentioned that China’s actions have had a direct impact on his own district, such as the use of ginseng as a weapon in trade negotiations.
When asked about the urgency of dealing with China’s unfair trade practices, Tiffany expressed support for imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and emphasized the need for fair trade. He also raised concerns over China’s abuse of the Uyghur people in Western China and the lack of a full accounting of the origins of the coronavirus from the Wuhan lab.
Looking ahead, Tiffany believes that if the policies of President Trump continue, there is potential for good relations with China. However, he also acknowledges that it ultimately depends on whether Chinese President Xi Jinping chooses to continue ruling with communism or move towards a more open and fair society.
In the past few decades, China has become a major player in the global economy and a significant trading partner for many countries, including the U.S. However, this relationship has been marred by China’s unfair trade practices and human rights violations. The call to revoke China’s PNTR status is not just about holding China accountable, but also about protecting American businesses and consumers.
It is important for the U.S. to take a strong stance against China’s actions and to demand fair and reciprocal trade. This not only benefits the American economy, but also sends a message to China that their actions will not be tolerated. The U.S. must also continue to push for accountability and transparency from China, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.
In conclusion, the call to revoke China’s PNTR status is a bipartisan effort to hold China accountable and promote fair trade. It is a necessary step towards ensuring that America’s interests are protected and that China is held accountable for its actions. As we move forward, it is important for the U.S. to continue to prioritize fair trade and to stand up against China’s unfair trade practices and human rights abuses. Only then can we hope for a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship with China in the future.
