Pearce Emphasizing Trade Issues on China Visit

Washington, Jan 6 - New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce will be visiting China and South Korea as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation that left Washington on Thursday. The delegation will be discussing trade issues with Chinese government officials.

"We are going there to look at China's steel industry and the Chinese economy. China is going to be such a big factor in the future of the world. Because within 20 years, China could surpass Japan as the world's second largest trading nation," said Pearce, a small business owner before entering politics.

"We must have assurances that China will continue to liberalize its economy, establish a modern financial system with a sound currency, and conform to international norms for protecting property rights. It must uphold its international trading obligations. As we say in New Mexico, 'trust your neighbor, but brand your cattle'," Pearce said.

"Congress", Pearce emphasized, "should uphold the principle of free trade but fair trade. Trade sanctions should be used only in extreme cases and only when they have a high chance of success. Moving away from freer trade and toward protectionism would only delay China's progress toward freedom and prosperity and harm the global economy."

"But, let me emphasize, I believe in free trade but also in fair trade," Pearce said. "Fair trade brings the benefits of trade into the hands of communities that need it most. It sets new social and environmental standards for international companies and demonstrates that trade can indeed be a vehicle for sustainable development."

Pearce said New Mexico's Second Congressional District has benefited from some of the American investment in China. "Many copper miners have returned to work in Silver City because China has bought more copper from the United States and that is good for both countries. Trade boosts efficiency and increases productivity. The Chinese have much to gain by opening their markets further to New Mexico and other American products that are the best in the world."

"Trade with China brings benefits to American workers, farmers, and consumers. It supports good-paying jobs in the United States, creates a growing market for American manufactured goods and farm products, and puts a wide range of affordable products on American store shelves," said Pearce.

"I agree with President Bush who has said, America's workers are the best in the world and can compete with anyone when we have a level playing field. But we must make sure that China is upholding its end of the bargain to make sure that our products and services are getting a fair shake," Pearce concluded.

The delegation will be visiting Beijing and Shanghai and South Korea. While in South Korea, Pearce and the delegation will be visiting the "demilitarized zone" that separates South and North Korea.

http://pearce.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=6452