BOND SAYS HE SUPPORTS CHINA TRADE

JACKSON, Mo. -- U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond says he will vote for the China trade deal because it is good for business.

The Republican senator from Missouri told about 30 political and business leaders in Jackson Thursday that it is in the nation's best interest to extend permanent normal trade relations status to China.

Bond predicted the Senate will approve the trade deal, but not without a fight.

Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., chairs the Senate's foreign relations committee. Helms is opposed to the trade deal and has vowed to hold hearings on the issue, further delaying a Senate vote.

But Bond said he believes the measure has the support of more than 60 senators. The House recently approved the trade deal.

Speaking at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office, Bond said the deal would lead to increased exports to China.

"As a result of this deal, exports to China are expected to grow by more than $1.6 billion over the next five years," he said. "This is a tremendous opportunity for Missourians."

But Bond said mail from constituents is running solidly against the trade agreement.

Critics point to China's human rights abuses in arguing against the trade deal.

But the senator argued that increased trade with China is the way to encourage greater political freedom in that nation.

The deal, he said, doesn't reward the Chinese. "It is giving us an opportunity to sell more goods to them."

That's important because 200 million Chinese will join the middle class in the next five years, said Bond. The deal would allow American farmers and businesses a chance to tap into that market, he said.

The agreement would lower tariffs charged by China on U.S. goods, allow U.S. companies more freedom in doing business in that communist country and provide American companies more protection against trademark and patent piracy, said Bond.

While the China deal has the backing of many farmers, Bond said businesses have remained largely silent on the issue.

"There has to be a national voice for trade," he said.

The Internet will open up opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of export opportunities abroad, including those in China, Bond said.

Bond, who chairs the Senate Small Business Committee, also discussed the need for tax and regulatory relief for small businesses.

Bond said it appears Congress will raise the minimum wage. He said it isn't sound economics, but it makes for "good politics."