For Now, Some Chinese Dissidents Lie Low to Sway US Saying That Most-Favored-Nation Status Will Help Political Reform, Dissidents Refrain from Criticizing Government

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VETERAN Chinese activist Dai Qing recently opted against publicly criticizing a government policy she abhors. She is not alone.

Many, but not all, political dissidents in China are shifting their tactics temporarily as the United States nears a decision on whether to punish Beijing through trade restrictions for its human rights record.

Ms. Dai and others believe that the US should continue to grant most-favored-nation trade (MFN) status to China, contending that rapid economic growth would actually help improve human rights by building up a prosperous middle class. Already, they point out, China's 13 percent annual economic growth has created a stronger demand …