China and WTO

America is not only the land of opportunity for those who live here but also for those around the world. The innovation that comes from US companies is shared by all. These companies spend part of their profits on research and development and this leads to new products and new ideas which provide the many benefits we take for granted. When companies desire to expand into China they are required to give over the fruits of their R & D and thus lose the competitive advantage they gained from their investments. When China was allowed to join the WTO is was with the assumption that they would be more open to free trade but that did not happen. This has been a good thing for US multinationals but it has hurt the working people as they watched their jobs go overseas.