Farewell My Trade Status?

In a dispute over human rights, Beijing tells Washington to mind its own business

"History has already proven that it is futile to apply pressure against China." Though the words evoked the decrees issued by once proud dynasties that long ago turned to dust, they had a particular bite last Saturday as intoned in Beijing by Premier Li Peng. "China will never accept U.S.-style human rights," he said after an afternoon of chilly talks with U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher. But what if Washington revokes China's most- favored-nation trade status? What if America restrains trade? The Chinese leader sniffed, "China can live without it." He noted that the Chinese expect to import $1 trillion...

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