CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS – FOREIGN POLICY
Updated April 30, 2012 – 8:10 p.m.
Chinese Case a ‘Test’ of America’s Resolve on Human Rights, Republicans Say
By Jonathan Broder, CQ Staff
Senior Republican lawmakers said Monday that the case of a blind Chinese lawyer reportedly sheltering with U.S. diplomats in China is a “test” of President Obama’s commitment to human rights.
According to human rights activists, the lawyer, Chen Guangcheng, angered Chinese authorities by defending people in rural Shandong province who objected to China’s practice of forced abortions and sterilization to enforce its one-child policy. In 2005, he was imprisoned for four years and then placed under house arrest until he escaped last week. Activists in China and overseas have said Chen is either under U.S. protection or in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.
Smith said in a statement that the administration’s handling of Chen’s case would be “a test of America’s resolve to safeguard human rights whenever and wherever those rights are violated.”
In an April 27 letter to Clinton, Smith asked her to voice U.S. support during her China visit for a list of demands that Chen has issued on the Internet since his escape. They call on Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to investigate and punish officials who beat Chen and confined him to house arrest and to ensure the safety of his family.
“I would strongly encourage you to reiterate and express our country’s support for these demands to the premier,” Smith wrote.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell was in Beijing on Monday to smooth the way for the annual U.S.-China talks, which also will include Treasury Secretary
Neither the administration nor Chinese officials have confirmed that Chen is in U.S. custody. Their reticence reflects concerns in both capitals that the human rights drama could overshadow the upcoming talks, which will focus on the global economy, Iran, North Korea and Sudan.
But Republicans suggested that Washington’s choice should be clear.
“The administration should choose human rights as its priority. That’s what we stand for,” Virginia Republican
In the Senate, South Carolina Republican
The remarks come as Republicans, including Gov. Mitt Romney, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, try to put a dent in Obama’s high approval ratings for his stewardship of foreign policy.
At a news conference Monday with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Obama deflected several questions about Chen, saying he had read press reports about the activist’s plight.
Chinese Case a ‘Test’ of America’s Resolve on Human Rights, Republicans Say
On Sunday, Obama’s counterterrorism adviser John O. Brennan said the president would work to further human rights while preserving ties with Beijing.
“I think in all instances the president tries to balance our commitment to human rights, making sure that the people throughout the world have the ability to express themselves freely and openly, but also that we can continue to carry out our relationships with key countries overseas,” Brennan said on “Fox News Sunday.”
First posted April 30, 2012 4:47 p.m.