This is CBSI on the world. I'm John Bachelord. Gordon Chang at Gordon Chi Chang is with me as my

colleague and co-host. And we turn to a term of art, most favored nation, aka PNTR, China,

the permanent normal trade relations.

This is important.

Most nations you can name that you would holiday in enjoy PNTR.

There's just a small list that doesn't, very small list.

You'll recognize them as well.

Russia, an adversary of NATO.

Belarus, an ally of Russia. North Korea,

an ally of Russia. Cuba, an ally of Russia. We welcome Alan Tonelson, our guide and manufacturing

and trade in America for many years. Alan, there is a story, I'm looking at it right now, from the voice of America, that there are

voices in Congress, we can presume in the new Congress, and the new administration, who

believe most favored nation's status, PNTR, is inappropriate for the hostility of the People's Republic of China. What does that mean,

taking it away from them? What would happen? Good evening to you. Hi, John, and hi, Gordon.

Actually, in practical terms, in real world terms, it wouldn't mean that much.

And the reason, and what we need to focus on instead is how free President Trump will feel

to impose major tariffs on China as he proposed during his presidential campaign.

And he's never been reluctant to do that,

but there are those in both Democratic Party

and Republican Party camps who have said that he's not able to do that

according to international law because the World Trade Organization prevents that,

and because China's in the World Trade Organization, one's not allowed to do that.

...