Chat with Chic, July 1, 1987

Chat Chic A Report from Washington FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Mike Miller July 1, 1987 (202) 224-6244 by U. S. Senator Chic Hecht The final arrangements are being made for the 5th annual "Chat with Chic" tour of Nevada. I'm looking forward to it. I always return to Washington full of common sense suggestions from Nevadans. Some of the problems brought to my attention have included several which I was able to help resolve through legislation. The new 65 mph speed limit had its begin-nings in rural Nevada when it was brought up during the first August tour. Other examples were my domestic content amendment to the Gold Coin Bill and legislation encouraging the development of geothermal energy, a plentiful resource in our state. We are currently gathering co-sponsors for my package of nuclear waste alternatives. Other bills under consideration could have a direct or indirect impact on Nevada. The Trade Bill, for example. During recent floor debate on the Trade Bill, I proposed an amendment designed to explore ways to protect and improve trade relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China. I'm also forming a bipartisan China Trade Caucus to review and recommend improvements in the legislative framework of our trade policies. The China initiative could prove highly beneficial to Nevada's rapidly growing mining and geothermal industries and I'm discussing this avenue with top Chinese officials. Some may be surprised that a strong anti-communist conser-vative senator would want to extend a friendly gesture to China. There are a number of reasons. China has become a good ally and it's in our mutual interests to be good trading partners. I'm a free trader but I'm also an avowed "fair trader." I've been to China twice and its leaders assured me of their interest in Nevada's mining and geothermal energy expertise and they plan to visit our state to explore a relationship. President Nixon started the ball rolling with his historic initiative in 1972. Because of his background, I consulted with Mr. Nixon before my last China trip and he was very supportive. Last month, the former President sent me the following telegram: "In the trade debate Senator Hecht is taking the high road by focusing his and his colleagues' attention to the larger issue of sustaining and strengthening the critically important relationship between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China. Those who support China's increased reliance on free markets should support Senator Hecht's amendment." On its part, China has implemented many reforms and is opening its vast markets to many American products and joint ventures with American firms. Nevada should be included. However, there is an even more compelling reason to keep China as an ally. Chinese officials are extremely paranoid about the invasion of Afghanistan and the Soviet influence in Vietnam and North Korea. One reason for concern is the presence of one third of the Russian army on its borders. If China and the USSR become too friendly, the Soviet military could cause problems elsewhere, most probably in Europe. There is more to a trade balance than trade. By encouraging trade with China we can also help maintain a balance of power. And that is certainly a goal worth pursuing.