U.S. Chamber Urges China to Avoid Protectionism

'China's Industrial and Indigenous Innovation Policies Are Straining the Commercial Relationship,' Brilliant Says

BEIJING, CHINA—Speaking at the 10th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China's Quality Brand Protection Committee (QBPC) today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Senior Vice President of International, Myron Brilliant, highlighted the essential role of the business community in supporting the U.S.-China economic relationship, while urging China to avoid protectionist measures that could stifle job creation in both countries and undermine the foundation of the relationship.

"The U.S.-China economic and commercial relationship is arguably the most important of its kind in the world today," Brilliant said. He pointed to the Chamber's long track record of advancing the relationship, including its ongoing work to highlight two-way business opportunities and strong support of the upcoming World Expo in Shanghai. Brilliant also highlighted efforts to promote bilateral cooperation, from climate change, to macroeconomic coordination, to regional security.

However, the remarks underscored that the recent expansion of China's industrial and indigenous innovation policies are inhibiting free competition and market access, and moving the Chinese economy away from market principles.

"As we approach the ten-year anniversary of Congress awarding China permanent normal trade relations status, there is palpable and rising concern that China is becoming less friendly to foreign firms," Brilliant said. "Policies that discriminate based on nationality of investment and use IP criteria as a tool to block market access run counter to the trend of open, collaborative, transnational innovation. Such policies not only disadvantage foreign firms, they undermine China's goal of becoming an innovative economy by 2020."

"The Chamber pledges to resist protectionist approaches in the United States," he said. "But, make no mistake, pressures are mounting, particularly in this election year."

Brilliants prepared remarks are available here:
/press/speeches/2010/100325china

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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