Bush Gives Full Backing to China Trade Measure

Texas Gov. George W. Bush delivered a ringing endorsement Wednesday of the Clinton administration’s push to normalize trade relations with China, using as the backdrop for his remarks a Boeing Co. airplane factory that reflects the crosscurrents that make the issue so sensitive politically.

Bush said the bill pending in Congress to grant permanent, normal trade status to China “serves the deepest interests of our country and advances the hopes of the Chinese people for a freer society.”

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee added: “All of us who believe in a more open China--in advancing the rule of law and trade--must work together.”

Indeed, Bush’s strong backing of the measure provides a rare example of agreement between him and his expected Democratic foe this November, Vice President Al Gore. But while Gore’s support of the bill has put him at odds with one of his party’s key constituencies, organized labor, the measure has given Bush a chance to spotlight his longtime advocacy of free trade. And his wholehearted embrace of the trade deal with China was evident Wednesday.

“For business, workers and farmers across our country, it will mean much lower trade barriers and important opportunities for U.S. exports,” the Texas governor said. “And for the people of China, it holds out the hope of more open contact with the world of freedom.”

Bush chose as the venue for his speech a huge Boeing plant where about 24,000 workers labor around the clock, turning out wide-body commercial jets that help make the company the nation’s largest exporter in terms of sales. And Boeing executives predict China will emerge as its largest market for airplanes over the next 20 years.

Yet many of the Boeing workers belong to unions that oppose the China bill because of concerns it will cost American jobs and reward Beijing economically without extracting concessions on human rights and political freedom. Those complexities were reflected in comments by some of the hundreds of workers and plant executives who gathered to listen to Bush.

“I’m for [the trade deal] for Boeing, against it for humanity,” said a worker who asked to be identified only as Sherry.

Another union member, Jon J. Walker, 46, staunchly opposes the legislation because of its potential effect on the U.S. job market. “I’m a guy with 25 years with the company, and slowly our jobs are going overseas.”

But differing with Walker was union member Derek Courtney, 30, who said: “I hope [the bill] goes through.” Courtney said he was concerned about job loss, but thought increased trade with China would strengthen Boeing.

Currently, Congress votes annually on whether to grant China low-tariff access to U.S. markets that nearly every other nation enjoys. The pending bill, which passed two key committees Wednesday, would make Beijing’s trading status permanent.

Bush presented a three-pronged argument for taking this step:

* Lowering trade barriers will open enormous new opportunities for U.S. commerce.

“The doors will open to U.S. providers of services--the import-export trade, banking, insurance, telecommunications, accounting, computers, motion pictures and more,” he said.

* Greater trade would promote greater freedom within China.

“Once a measure of economic freedom is permitted, a measure of political freedom will follow,” he said. “Economic freedom creates habits of liberty. And habits of liberty create expectations of democracy.”

* Greater trade with China serves U.S. strategic interests.

Bush rejected President Clinton’s description of China as a strategic partner, calling it instead a competitor for influence in Southeast Asia. But he said the United States could best protect its interests and support its allies in the region by forging closer economic ties with China.

Bush delivered his remarks on a platform raised in front of a nearly completed Boeing 777. He noted that Air Force One, the presidential plane, had been assembled at the Everett plant. In a reference to his hopes for the future, he joked, “If all goes well, I promise not to spill any coffee” while on the plane.

Also Wednesday, Bush welcomed an endorsement by former First Lady Nancy Reagan. In a statement released by the Bush campaign, she said he was a candidate former President Reagan “would be proud of.”

Mrs. Reagan is a friend of John McCain, and aides to the Arizona senator sought her backing during his primary battle with Bush. But she remained uncommitted.

Bush’s father served as vice president in the Reagan administration. Reagan, who lives with his wife in Bel-Air, suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and no longer makes public appearances.