House resolution urges China to abide by WTO commitments

SHARON, Pa. -- A House resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Phil English of Erie, R-3rd, in an attempt to bring China into line with global trade rules passed the House in a 411-1 vote Wednesday.
The resolution urges China to fully abide by the World Trade Organization commitments it made when it joined the organization in 2001.
"From our perspective, China's violation of virtually every aspect of global trade rules warrants strong retaliation," English said.
If the resolution has no effect, English has a stronger measure on the table.
He introduced the CHINA Act earlier this month that would impose stiff tariffs on Chinese imports to the United States in response to that country's manipulation of its currency to give it a trade advantage.
That bill could come up for a vote in early 2004, he said.
China has artificially pegged its currency to the American dollar, English said.
As the value of the dollar goes down, the Chinese devalue their yuan when it should be appreciating, he added. The result is that China is able to undercut American manufacturers, he said, noting the trade deficit with China reached $103 billion last year and is expected to grow to $120 billion this year.