China welcomes US President George W. Bush's request to the Congress to extend Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status for China for another year, a Chinese Foreig Ministry spokesman said on Thursday in Beijing.

This represents the basis of the normal trade between the two nations, Zhu Bangzao told the press at a regular news briefing.

Bush said on Tuesday that the United States trades with China because trade is "a good policy" for "our economy" and for "our national security."

"Because trade creates prosperity... I will notify Congress on June 1 that I intend to extend normal trade relations status with China for another year," he said.

Last year, US Congress passed legislation granting China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) as soon as the country enters the World Trade Organization.

(chinadaily.com.cn 05/31/2001)