Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General Michael Klosson

Statement by U.S. Consul General Michael Klosson on Extension to China of Permanent Normal Trade Relations

May 25, 2000

I was pleased to learn that the U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to extend normal trade relations to China on a permanent basis. President Clinton called this an historic step toward continued prosperity in America, reform in China and peace in the world. The U.S. Senate must now consider the legislation, and is expected to vote sometime next month.

We in the U.S. Consulate worked closely with a number of members of Congress and staff who have visited Hong Kong in recent months. I believe these visits helped illuminate further for them the implications of this vote for American interests and America's role in the region. There has been broad support throughout the community in Hong Kong for China's accession to the World Trade Organization. As importantly, these visits also provided Members an opportunity to view Hong Kong as a window on China's future. They had an opportunity to see first-hand what happens when a society embraces freedom of choice, acceptance of competition, openness to the free flow of information and relationships governed by the rule of law.

Wednesday's House vote is certainly good news for the United States and for China, but it also is good news for Hong Kong.

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