The China Trade Act Of 2000 EssayThe China Trade Act of 2000 was introduced in Congress to allow free trade with China as with other favored nations. Trade with communist countries was currently allowed only on a year-to-year basis under the Trade Act of 1974, unlike the permanent basis offered other countries. Many members of the business community, and then President Clinton wanted this stipulation lifted once China joined the World Trade Organization, which was forthcoming. This required an act of Congress. Since Republicans typically favor big business, this allied President Clinton (D) with many Republicans and against many members of his own party, as well as labor unions. The president desired to push this bill through before his term in office ended.Clinton gathered support for this bill by speaking with hundreds of lawmakers, either individually, in groups or by phone. A $10 million ad compaign, the largest ever, was launched by the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable.
