Business profits vs. human rights. So do critics of trade between America and China frame the debate. But freer trade is likely to advance human rights as well as boost business profits.

For years, the U.S. Congress has voted annually on permitting "normal trading relations" with China. Now the Clinton administration is advocating permanent normal trade relations for Beijing, which would allow China to enter the World Trade Organization.

Lobbying furiously for a yes vote is American business. Without a doubt, trade with China, now about $95 billion both ways, is economically beneficial: Some 200,000 Americans are directly employed sending exports to China.