China Permanent Normal Trade Relations
Questions and Answers

Q: Why do you oppose Permanent Normal Trade Relations With China?

First, once China becomes a member of the WTO, it could doom efforts to make the WTO more democratic. Serious reform would require a consensus of all 137 member nations (counting China). Yet, given China's political system, it is difficult to imagine that it would support the kinds of sweeping reforms necessary to make the WTO truly open and accountable. Second, if China enters the WTO, increased competitive pressures there will increase incentives to repress human rights, including those of environmentalists, Third, China is the largest trader in endangered species parts. If China entered the WTO, increased trade would increase chances for smugglers to hide contraband goods. Yet, as a WTO member, China could stymie enforcement actions brought against it under the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species.

Q: Why are you here in front of Rep. XXX's office?

We want Rep. XXX to oppose China PNTR because this trade deal is bad for the environment and working families.

Q: Is there an alternative you are willing to support?

Yes We support trade with China as long as we are able to review our annual relationship. Annual review is needed to engage with China on the full range of environmental, labor human rights -- and yes, commercial -- issues that lie between our two nations.

Q: Al Gore has stated he supports PNTR for China. Does this mean you will not endorse Al Gore for president?

The Sierra Club is a democratic organization that considers many factors before deciding to endorse a candidate. We disagree with the Vice President on some things, we agree with him on a great deal more. Al Gore has promised that, as president, he would incorporate environmental and labor concerns into any trade agreements, and we will hold him to that promise if he is elected.

Q: How does this deal affect the environment in China?

Uncontrolled industrial growth will increase air and water pollution.

Q: How does this deal affect the environment in America?

Permanent NTR would harm our health and environment by strengthening the World Trade Organization. The WTO has already ruled against US clean air and sea turtle protections. With China in the WTO we have fewer chances of reforming trade rules to protect our environment. If we give China permanent NTR we will have little influence over how China behaves in the WTO.

Q: How does this deal affect Americans?

As our friends at the AFL-CIO are saying, this deal gives China a "blank check" to do whatever they want. First off, removing the annual review process basically means that America is saying that China can destroy the environment and engage in human rights and labor abuses and we don't care. The American people don't want to send that message. Secondly, environmental problems know no borders. Large scale environmental devastation will eventually be felt around the world from unregulated free trade.. Lastly, if we take away the annual review process, and China enters the WTO, then there is a great risk that environmental safeguards, that protect our air and water, could be threatened when China decides that these safeguards are hindering their ability to trade freely.

Q: Won't economic growth improve China's environment?

Most studies that show that the economic turn around point at which pollution starts to decrease is in the range $5,000 per capita income. China's economy would have to be ten times larger than it is now for that effect to kick in. Meanwhile, the country will have destroyed natural resources -- clean water, arable land, forest cover -- that it needs for survival. So growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand.

Q: Why are you joining forces with labor, Don't you disagree with labor when it comes to issues like jobs and economic growth?

The labor movement and the Sierra Club may not agree on all of the issues, but we share some basic principles on trade issues. Like the AFL-CIO, the Sierra Club is not opposed to engagement with China. Instead, our concern lies with the terms of that engagement. And the terms of the proposed US-China trade deal are clearly bad for the environment, for working people, and for human rights.

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