PDF《PacNet》

s policies. Congress focused on pressing domestic issues and more salient foreign policy concerns, notably the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Against this backdrop, recent congressional activism on China policy seems comparatively limited and weak. Congress remains preoccupied with domestic concerns and more salient foreign issues. There is debate among specialists on how assertive the 112th Congress will become on issues like China policy, but a leading perspective argues that congressional pressure and initiative in foreign affairs after a decade of extraordinary deference to the president will come only when there is clearer evidence that the president'

s policies are failing and that the country is not threatened or insecure. Conflicting Pressures on Congress Even in the event that Congress judges its interests would be best served with a more assertive stance regarding China policy, it'

s hard to discern with much precision in which direction Congress would move. Tougher trade and economic measures do not enjoy uniform support on either side of the aisle. Republicans supporting a free-trade agenda remain influential. Some Democratic leaders and rank-and-file members oppose congressional actions that go beyond symbolism and actually force strong policy action that promises strong retaliation by China. Many Members of Congress have become keenly aware of the serious negative consequences for them and their constituents of strong US measures against Chinese trading and economic practices. They have participated in trips to China and discussions in various congressional working groups regarding China. They have listened to lobbying by constituent business interests, Chinese officials and lobbyists hired by China, and a broad range of US business groups urging moderation in dealing with China. US public opinion remains more negative than positive regarding the policies and practices of China, but it is not in a position, as it was in the aftermath of the Tiananmen crackdown, to prompt serious negative change in US policy toward China. The US public is somewhat anxious about Chinese economic and military power, but it eschews PacNet

1003 Bishop Street, Suite 1150, Honolulu, HI

96813 Tel: (808) 521-6745 Fax: (808) 599-8690 Email: [email protected] Web Page: www.pacforum.org confrontation and does not support US actions that would lead to conflict with China over Taiwan. Similarly, mainstream American media have become more moderate in their extensive coverage of developments in China than was the case in the years following the Tiananmen crackdown. US business groups have been seeking congressional support against perceived unfair Chinese economic practices and some have supported legislation threatening retaliation. However, divisions within the business community on what to do about China remain profound. A prevailing sentiment i........