Should the US expand trade with China?

Mark (Yes)

Not only is maintaining trade relations with China important, but expanding them is the wisest move the US could make. Exchange with China is a net positive for America, as it creates and supports American jobs. It also allows us to compete on a global basis and hold our position at the forefront of innovation. It’s important to view China pragmatically instead of dissecting its social policies, which are a separate issue. One of the biggest issues facing the US in recent years is inflation. Chinese manufacturing has allowed Americans who earn the average median income to save around $1,000 a year.

China has proven to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Their influence on the global market is undeniable and continues to grow. Expanding trade with China will almost certainly continue to create positive trends in the US economy. Make no mistake, this would not be a one-sided relationship with the US becoming increasingly reliant on China. China’s consumption of and reliance on American goods and services are among the highest on the globe. 

It's important not to look at China through an overly critical microscopic lens. Every country in the world has controversies and issues. If we limit or discontinue relations with China, it would be hypocritical not to do so with others. Unsurprisingly, data has shown that countries that maintain good trade relations with China outperform countries that don't. It’s imperative that we consider the state of our economy and the quality of life for our citizens first. This includes striving for cooperation and efficiency with nations such as China.

Luke (No)

The US has long been a proponent of free trade. However, in recent years, growing concern has been growing that furthering trade with China could negatively affect the US economy. There are the usual concerns that have been voiced in the past, such as continued job losses and further declines in wages for US workers. 

However, beyond the standard concerns, new critical issues have arisen, such as the potential loss of American technological leadership, fueled by China’s predatory practices of forcing companies within their borders to reveal specific technology and their well-known global corporate theft. Issues such as this tie in with national security concerns, as China has demonstrated itself to be a rival nation of the US and has been accused of engaging in activities that directly threaten US national security, such as the purchasing of strategic land around military bases and hacking into US military installations.

It should also not be ignored that China has a long history of environmental pollution, and it is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Finally, it is important to consider China's human rights record. China has been accused of human rights abuses, including the suppression of political dissent, the use of forced labor, and the imprisonment of religious minorities. 

In light of all of these concerns, it is clear that the United States should not pursue further trade with China at this moment and instead increase trade with other countries that are more aligned with our interests, with a focus on protecting American jobs, wages, technological leadership, national security, and the human rights of all people around the world.