Bill Bradley: "It is in America's interest to grant China normal trade status on a permanent rather than annual basis because it would make China a more reliable trading partner and provide greater access to the Chinese market for American companies. This will create new and better jobs for America's workers and farmers."

George W. Bush: "I support permanent normal trade relations for China as part of China's admission to the WTO... It will provide American businesses and farmers access to China's growing market and narrow our trade deficit with China... To join the WTO, China is agreeing to live by fair trading rules... As we export American goods and services into China, we will export American values, especially freedom."

Al Gore: "I support extension of most favored nation status for China through accession to the World Trade Organization... failure to grant China permanent normal trade relations will put American farmers and factories at a vast disadvantage with respect to Europe and Japan and hurt our ability to enforce China's commitments in the WTO."

John McCain: "As a result of its participation in the WTO, China will have to abide by the organization's standards governing international trade, and there will be enforcement mechanisms available to ensure that China does so... I believe maintaining economic and diplomatic relations with China serves our national interests."

Source: The Associated Press, January 5, 2000