Constituency Politics and Congressional Intervention in Us Policy Towards China's Trade Status

Abstract

The study of US trade policy towards China's trade status is central to understanding US-China relations during the past decade. The US Congress tried repeatedly to challenge the White House and to use China's trade status as a tool to pressure Beijing on human rights and other issues. Guided by the constituency theory, the study examines constituency politics as a key factor influencing Congressional behaviour on the issue of China's trade status. It notes that sustained Congressional interest was largely determined by American voters' strong interest in the issue. As 'Single-minded seekers of reelection" members of Congress were aware that their constituents' moral concerns and economic interests were deeply involved. Representing different interests, Congress was divided on the issue and its challenges thus failed. The study also demonstrates that divisions often exist within a constituency and members of Congress have to make difficult decisions which usually end up supporting their core constituency.