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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

A New Trade Deal with China

Selling U.S. products like Crest in China will be easier.

Chances are you'll be seeing a lot more MADE IN CHINA labels on your clothes in the next few years. The U.S. Senate voted last week to start a normal free-trade relationship with China.

For the past 20 years, the U.S. has charged expensive fees, called tariffs, on all products made in China and sold in the U.S. The government thought the tariffs would put pressure on China to stop mistreating its people. China's government does not allow its citizens much freedom. People who speak out against the government are often put in jail.

But President Clinton and many business leaders argued that freer trade with China might help spread democratic values there. "This landmark agreement will promote a more peaceful future for all of us," said the President.

China hopes to sell more clothes, fabric and shoes to the U.S. The Chinese government will also make it easier for Chinese people to buy such popular American products as farm goods, computers and cell phones.

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