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Clinton Hails "Historic" Vote on China Trade
US President Bill Clinton hailed the U.S. House of Representatives vote on Wednesday to grant China permanent trade benefits, saying the United States would have more influence over Beijing with an "outstretched hand than with a clenched fist."
Speaking shortly after the Republican-led House voted 237-197 to grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to China, Clinton called it a historic move that would spur US growth,strengthen global security and promote democracy and human rights in China.
"Today the House of Representatives has taken an historic step toward continued prosperity in America, reform in China and peace in the world," Clinton said in the White House Rose Garden. "For China, this agreement will clearly increase the benefits of cooperation."
"America, of course, will continue to defend our interests, but at this stage in China's development we will have more positive influence with an outstretched hand than with a clenched fist," he added.
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