DeSantis backs ending China’s trade privileges.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Vows to Revoke China’s Trade Status

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made a bold promise. In an interview with Fox News, he declared that if he were to win the 2024 White House race, he would take steps to revoke China’s permanent normal trade relations status.

“I favor doing that. I think we probably need Congress, but I would take executive action as appropriate to be able to move us in that direction,” stated Mr. DeSantis.

The granting of this status to China by the U.S. Senate in 2000 was a significant move as the country prepared to join the World Trade Organization. However, any attempt to remove this status would require congressional approval. This status represents a legal designation in the United States for free trade with a foreign nation.

U.S.–China relations have been strained for years due to various national security issues, including Taiwan, U.S. export bans on advanced technologies, the Chinese regime’s state-led industrial policies, human rights concerns, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, and trade tariffs.

Challenging Times Ahead

It is clear that Washington has some tough decisions to make regarding its relationship with China. Governor DeSantis’ proposal adds another layer of complexity to an already complex situation.