Nov 16, 2006- Congresswoman Kaptur Responds to China Commission Report

To see larger images, click here.

"This report should shock our government into action,"Kaptur said. "China'sfailure to act as a responsible member of the international community is a realthreat to American jobs and also to our national security."

Congresswoman Kaptur, a member of the House DefenseAppropriations Subcommittee, said the commission has concluded that China has abetted theproliferation of nuclear weapons in North Korea and Iran,ignored its obligations under international trade laws, and embarked on adangerous and aggressive military buildup.

"We can no longer look the other way while Chinaemerges as an economic and military superpower with little regard forinternational norms. This report is a clarion call for a dramatic changein U.S.policy toward our leading competitor," she said.

Congresswoman Kaptur cited three statements in thecommission's report:

Nuclear Proliferation: "China'scontinuing record of proliferation, including its indulgence of North Korea'snuclear and missile programs and its involvement in Iran's program is deeplydestabilizing ... Given strong U.S. interests in both regions, Chineseproliferation threatens U.S. security and potentially could place at risk U.S.troops operating in those regions."

Jobs and Fair Trade. "China's adherence to itsmany World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations remains spotty and halting inimportant areas five years after China attained membership... Chinaartificially lowers the value of its currency to maintain an export-led tradepolicy."

Manufacturing. "China's WTO-illegal tradepractices are serving to hollow out the U.S.manufacturing base. The loss of America'ssophisticated manufacturing capabilities has serious national securityimplications."