Dear Ms. Chen,

Thank you for your letter to the U.S. Mission concerning the harsh treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in the People's republic of China. We share your concerns and that of your friend, A. Huang, who also wrote to us. We were troubled to read about your two-week imprisonment, as well as your observations about the treatment of the local Chinese Falun Gong practitioners.

As we mentioned to Mr. Huang, the U.S. has raised with Chinese authorities its deep concern about the steps the Chinese government has taken to restrict freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Chinese Government actions against free expression of thought, conscience and spiritual belief was one part of the basis for the designation of China by the Secretary of State last fall as a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. There actions also were part of the basis for our decision to sponsor a resolution on the human rights situation in China at the current session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.

The United States will continue to urge China to exercise restraint in its treatment of its citizens, lift the ban on the Falun Gong, allow practitioners to peacefully express their personal beliefs, and release all those who have been detained, arrested, or sentenced for peacefully exercising their rights.

We appreciated hearing from you and have taken note of your comments.

Sincerely,

Patricia Kuffler

Public Affairs Officer