At this point, withdrawing PNTR from China would be unlikely to improve the situation and might even be counterproductive. But free trade has not meant a free China. It is time for the United States to pursue a more aggressive policy toward Beijing rather than waiting for the flow of commerce to wear away China’s many rough edges.
The United States should make clear that it condemns China’s repressive policies and press for it to keep promises, such as its long ignored assurances to allow the International Red Cross to inspect mainland prisons. The United States should also finally challenge China’s trade abuses at the World Trade Organization; in this area and others China must be pressed hard to live by the rules.



