WASHINGTON, DC - The Bush Administration today released a “Top-to-Bottom” review of the “challenges that confront” U.S. - China trade relations.  Instead of taking action, or even setting out a strategy for action to level the playing field for American businesses and workers, the Bush Administration report merely promises further ‘monitoring,’ ‘coordination,’ and ‘dialogue.’

“After reading the report, I have to ask - where’s the beef?” said Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin, Ranking Member of the Trade Subcommittee.  “The Administration promises no new enforcement of trade laws, no new action in the WTO, and no further steps to combat China’s unfair practices.  The time for monitoring and bureaucracy has passed, we need to take action to stand up for American workers.”

Analysis of the report’s “Key Action Items”:

#3: Expand U.S. Trade Policy and Negotiating Capacity in Beijing:
This mechanism was supposedly set up in 2001 to feed information from a designated official at Embassy Beijing to Commerce and USTR -- Either it's languished for 5 years, or this is not new.
 
#6:  Increase focus on Regulatory Reform in China:
In short, this accomplishes nothing.  The Administration does not even mandate and set a time certain for completion of a comprehensive study of Chinese subsidies, as the Fair Trade with China Act (HR 3306) did.  The report simply calls for "increased focus."  Focus alone will not help US industries harmed in competition with heavily subsidized Chinese exports, or US exporters competing in China against heavily subsidized products there.
 
#8: Strengthen and Expand Bilateral Dialogues:
If ever the time had come to say enough "dialogue," enough talk, it is now.  American businesses need LESS talk and more action.

##