Thursday, July 19, 2001

I continue to be deeply disturbed by China's human rights record. Today, authorities in the People's Republic of China systematically violate the most fundamental human rights, and the brutal crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners is only one example. From suppression of religious freedom and press freedom to violations of labor rights and the rights of Tibetans, China continues to be one of the most oppressive states in the world.

Our national values demand that these human rights issues play a primary role in our bilateral relationship with China. I urge the Administration to raise them consistently at the highest levels.