Press Release of Senator Cantwell

Cantwell Promotes Trade with China, Encourages Direct Flights between China and Seattle

Tuesday, April 18,2006

EVERETT, WA – Tuesday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined state official and business representatives to greet China’s President Hu Jintao’s during his two-day visit to the Seattle area. Tuesday evening, Cantwell will attend a dinner with President Hu and others to highlight the important trade relationship between Washington state and China.

On Monday, to promote increased commerce between Washington state and China, Cantwell wrote to President Hu encouraging the introduction of non-stop air service between SeaTac International Airport and China. Cantwell said that direct flights would boost trade and strengthen cultural connections. The White House also received a copy of the letter.

[The text of Cantwell’s letter to President Hu follows below]

April 17, 2006

Dear President Hu:

I am looking forward to welcoming you later this month to Washington state. Our state has a rich tradition of partnership with China and has enjoyed strong trade and cultural relations for many years. I am writing today to encourage you to cement further our relationship through the introduction of non-stop air service between China and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Our trading partnership date back to the mid-1880s and when China and the U.S. resumed relations in 1979, the first Chinese ship to visit the U.S. called the Port of Seattle. Since that time, trade between my State and China has continually expanded, and China remains one of Washington’s most important trading partners. As you are aware, the State of Washington is the home to many international corporations like Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, and others that have significant and consistent business with China. In fact, two-way trade between Washington and China in 2004 surpassed $20 billion and continues to increase.

Today, Seattle is the largest West Coast market, and second largest market in the entire United States, without the benefit of non-stop air service to China. The introduction of new non-stop service between Seattle – Tacoma International Airport represents the next step in strengthening our relationship. I am confident that the high percentage of business and leisure travel in Washington state will sustain a non-stop air route from Seattle to Beijing or Shanghai.

With our ever expanding business relationships and the fact that the China will be hosting the summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008 and the proximity of Seattle to the winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010, now is an excellent time to implement this service. I look forward to an opportunity to visit with you during your trip to my home state to discuss this opportunity to expand our successful partnership.

Respectfully,

Maria Cantwell
United States Senator


Home Meet Maria Biography Constituent Coffee Photos News Press Releases Maria's Monday Memo Issues & Legislation Getting Results Committees & Legislation Agriculture Civil Liberties Coastal Issues Economy & Jobs Education Energy Environment First Responders & Crime Foreign Affairs Health Care Homeland Security National Guard Seniors & Social Security Transportation Veterans Constituent Services Help With Federal Agency Internships Visiting DC Service Academy Flags Biofuels Guide Contact Maria Email Office Locations
Maria's Monday Memo To sign up for Maria's weekly newsletter, enter your email address: Search The Site	News Press Release of Senator Cantwell Cantwell Promotes Trade with China, Encourages Direct Flights between China and Seattle Tuesday, April 18,2006 EVERETT, WA – Tuesday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined state official and business representatives to greet China’s President Hu Jintao’s during his two-day visit to the Seattle area. Tuesday evening, Cantwell will attend a dinner with President Hu and others to highlight the important trade relationship between Washington state and China. On Monday, to promote increased commerce between Washington state and China, Cantwell wrote to President Hu encouraging the introduction of non-stop air service between SeaTac International Airport and China. Cantwell said that direct flights would boost trade and strengthen cultural connections. The White House also received a copy of the letter. [The text of Cantwell’s letter to President Hu follows below] April 17, 2006 Dear President Hu: I am looking forward to welcoming you later this month to Washington state. Our state has a rich tradition of partnership with China and has enjoyed strong trade and cultural relations for many years. I am writing today to encourage you to cement further our relationship through the introduction of non-stop air service between China and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Our trading partnership date back to the mid-1880s and when China and the U.S. resumed relations in 1979, the first Chinese ship to visit the U.S. called the Port of Seattle. Since that time, trade between my State and China has continually expanded, and China remains one of Washington’s most important trading partners. As you are aware, the State of Washington is the home to many international corporations like Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, and others that have significant and consistent business with China. In fact, two-way trade between Washington and China in 2004 surpassed $20 billion and continues to increase. Today, Seattle is the largest West Coast market, and second largest market in the entire United States, without the benefit of non-stop air service to China. The introduction of new non-stop service between Seattle – Tacoma International Airport represents the next step in strengthening our relationship. I am confident that the high percentage of business and leisure travel in Washington state will sustain a non-stop air route from Seattle to Beijing or Shanghai. With our ever expanding business relationships and the fact that the China will be hosting the summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008 and the proximity of Seattle to the winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010, now is an excellent time to implement this service. I look forward to an opportunity to visit with you during your trip to my home state to discuss this opportunity to expand our successful partnership. Respectfully, Maria Cantwell United States Senator
Home \| Meet Maria \| News \| Issues & Legislation \| Constituent Services \| Contact Maria