From the Xinjingbao of the People’s Republic of China, this strategy session from Chinese researcher Xue Chung explains more than you ever wanted to know about what China does with American chicken, why the trade is so lucrative for the United States and how China can influence American lawmakers to resist trade barriers – even bringing Obama’s need to pass health care reform into the equation.
In regard to why Chinese loves American chickens and why it’s so profitable, Xue Chung writes in part:
“Americans prefer breast meat, which is the most expensive part of the chicken. In addition to eating habits and cooking methods, this is also due to health considerations. Because it’s leaner, Americans regard breast meat as healthier. Chinese, on the other hand, find breast meat too chewy, preferring instead the feet and wings – for which there is no market at all in the United States.
For example, chicken feet and wings sell for just a few cents per pound on the U.S. market, whereas in China they go for 60-80 cents a pound – the highest price in the world. Moreover, it is precisely because American chicken breasts are expensive that the largest varieties of chicken are raised there. Feet from such large birds are particularly well-received by Chinese consumers.”
Later, Xue Chung writes of who in Congress Beijing should target – and which “electorates” it should target its message of the value of trade to. How Beijing should target ‘electorates, he doesn’t say:
“We can concentrate on a few key votes in Congress – those whose states have the greatest potential for exporting to China, and by making this clear to the electorate in those states so that they realize how fruitful free trade between the U.S. and China could be for them. As a result, when Congress votes, there will be more lawmakers sympathetic to China. … Some critics have said that the styles of Bush and Obama are totally different. George W. Bush acted like a king when he was president; Obama, on the other hand, acts like a legislative leader, and has great influence in Congress. For health care reform to pass he’s depending on the support of conservative Democrats – and these are the ones with the strongest views on trade protection.”
By Xue Chung [??]
Translated by Jimmy Chow
October 6, 2009
People’s Republic of China – Xinjingbao – Original Article (Chinese)
Not long ago, the Ministry of Commerce announced the launch of an investigation into U.S. exports of chicken and auto parts destined for China. The case involves what are known as “white-feather broilers.”
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