A trade surplus doesn't make an enemy

China's record trade surpluses with the United States are not pleasing to the US Congress or to the many China hawks on Capitol Hill. There has been little movement in the yuan-dollar exchange rate since it was revalued in July last year. Pressure is mounting to bring the Schumer-Graham bill - which would impose duties on Chinese imports - to the floor for a vote in the autumn. Prohibitive tariffs, however, will not correct the trade imbalance.

Rather than going down the path of destructive protectionism, the US should get its own house in order by reducing the size and scope of government and by reaffirming its commitment to economic liberalism. Indeed, if China is not to become the inevitable enemy that some on Capitol Hill envision, the US must continue its policy of engagement.

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