Aufsatz(gedruckt)#11994
HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST
In: FP, Band 94, S. 43-47
ISSN: 0015-7228
PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT GRANTED MOST-FAVORED-NATION TRADE STATUS TO CHINA WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS FOR ANOTHER YEAR BUT CONDITIONED FURTHER RENEWAL ON SEVERAL HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES. THIS ARTICLE ARGUES THAT THE BROAD WORDING OF THE CONDITIONS AND THE INCREASINGLY MIXED SIGNALS PROJECTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION'S ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT POLICY HAVE ENCOURAGED THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP TO ACT AS IF IT CAN GET AWAY WITH DOING NOTHING. IT SUGGESTS THAT WASHINGTON MUST PRESS THE CORPORATE COMMUNITY TO ACT ON ITS CLAIM THAT BUSINESS CAN BE A POSITIVE FORCE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS.