“American workers are the best
in the world and can compete with anyone when there is a level playing field.
This Administration has vigorously enforced our trade laws and used dialogue,
pressure, and litigation to produce real results in all aspects of our trade
with China.
“We do not need to conduct an extensive 301 investigation
to know that we have serious concerns about
China's currency
policy. This Administration firmly
believes that
China needs to
move toward a more flexible, market-based exchange rate for its currency. That is why we
have devoted unprecedented time and attention to urge the Chinese government to
make this move. As a result of our
efforts, the Chinese have agreed that making the transition to a market-based
exchange rate is one of their top priorities. Governor Zhou of
China's central bank, for example, declared that ‘building a
more market-driven trading system for the renminbi is now a task of top
priority.’
“With Secretary Snow's
engagement, the Chinese are now actively working to modernize their financial
infrastructure to prepare for a flexible exchange rate regime.
China is taking action to liberalize capital flows, restructure
its banks, and develop a currency derivatives market. These initial moves toward
a more market-based exchange rate system are steps in the right direction. But
China must continue to do more. To ensure progress continues, we will
act as aggressively as necessary to achieve results on this issue.
“China is deeply interested in being treated as a ‘market
economy’ under U.S. law. The first test
China must meet is the extent to which its currency is
convertible. China's capital account liberalization in preparation for its
move to a flexible exchange rate regime is also an important part of making its
currency more convertible. The Administration has made clear to
China that it cannot expect to receive market economy status
unless it continues its recent moves toward more market-based
policies.
“In the last twelve months,
over 1.7 million new U.S. jobs have been added to the American economy, and the
unemployment rate today is lower than the average rate during the 1990s, 1980s,
and the 1970s.
“Today's petition is reckless
because the remedy it seeks of a 40 percent across the board tariff would put up
walls around America, hurting U.S. exports, destroying
U.S. jobs and endangering our economic recovery. It is a
petition that has much less support in the
U.S. business community than it did just four months
ago, when the Administration last addressed this issue.
“In April, the
Administration made it clear that accepting such a petition would be a retreat
into economic isolationism. That is a path we would not take then, and it is a
path we will not take today.
“Our policy is producing real
results, expanded trade, and more jobs for Americans. Our policy offers more
effective tools to move China toward a flexible, market-based exchange rate. Our policy
rests on the principle that a strong and growing trade relationship, driven by
mutual interests, is the best way to encourage reform in
China.
“It was the right policy in 2000, when the Clinton
Administration and 83 members of the U.S. Senate supported Permanent Normal
Trade Relations with
China. It
was the right policy in April of this year when four cabinet secretaries first
addressed this issue. It remains the right policy today.”