On November 15, representatives from the US and China finally signed a deal paving the way toward allowing China into the World Trade Organization.  Some have opposed the deal, claiming that China has not done enough to improve human rights.  Yet Human Rights Watch immediately issued a statement supporting the agreement.

"We welcome the deal between the US and China on WTO entry," the statement read.  "This agreement is good for trade but also for human rights and the rule of law. Over the long term, China's membership in the WTO could increase pressure for greater openness, more press freedom, enhanced rights for workers, and an independent judiciary."

Under the agreement, U.S. farmers will face lower agricultural tariffs in China, guaranteeing increased exports.  American automakers will find their tariffs reduced as well.  Foreigners may establish their own distribution systems and sell directly to Chinese consumers.  China also promised to end state subsidies for its own exports, take part in trade court proceedings and guard against piracy of "intellectual property" such as computer software and movies.  But the impact will go far beyond trade, ultimately building respect for law, democracy and human rights in the world's most populous country.

"An agreement of this sort," explains US trade representative Christine Barshefsky, "with its breadth, with its scope, with its emphasis on rule of law, with its consistency with China's own internal reform process, can help to anchor the relationship between the United States and China in a most fundamental way."