Sen. Sasse Cultivates "Hawk" Title, Saying New Japan Trade Deal Will Put Pressure On China
Sasse offers support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong
By News Channel NebraskaNEBRASKA CITY – Nebraska’s elected officials continue to applaud the announcement of a recent trade deal with Japan and U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse said it will turn up pressure on China.
Congressman Adrian Smith and Gov. Pete Ricketts called it a big win for Nebraska.
Smith said the deal, implemented in two phases, will bring Japan’s tariff rates on U.S. agriculture in line with those of competitors.
Gov. Ricketts thanked President Donald Trump for his attention to the agreement, which will result in over 90 percent of U.S. food products imported into Japan to be duty free or receive preferential tariff access.
U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse also issued a statement.
Sasse: “There’s still more work to do, but this is really great news for Nebraska’s producers. We need more trade deals in the Pacific because they are great for business in Nebraska and it helps build allies as we turn up the pressure on China to stop their constant cheating.”
In May, Sen. Sasse offered his support of lifting tariffs on steel and aluminum on Canada and Mexico. He said the President was right to de-escalate tensions with North American allies and increase pressure on China for its theft of intellectual property and hostility toward the rule of law.
On Aug. 31, Sasse issued a statement of support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Sasse: “Today Hong Kong is the land of the free and the home of the brave. The Chinese Communist Party fears these marchers because these men and women refuse to be intimidated by an oppressive government. The United States must stand with Hong Kong.”
Also in August, he praised the Trump Administration’s decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan.
Sasse: “This ought to send a clear message to the Chinese Communist Party: the United States will not sit on the sideline while Beijing stifles freedom and expands oppression. Our allies in the Pacific should take heart knowing that we stand with free people as they stare down the daily threat of Chinese aggression.”