Dear Mr. xxx:

Thank you for your letter of August 24, 2001, concerning the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. I regret the delay in replying to you.

Canada regularly registers its concerns about human rights abuses in China. This is done through numerous channels, including meetings with senior Chinese leaders and regular dialogue with Chinese officials. On such occasions we often raise with the Chinese government cases of Chinese individuals imprisoned for political religious reasons.

Canada has frequently conveyed its concern to Chinese officials about the suppression and treatment under arrest of Falun Gong practitioners. In addition, Canadian Falun Gong practitioners have met on several occasions with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade regarding the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The most recent meeting took place on July 30, 2001

I have read with concern reports of the death of Falun Gong practitioners in Wanjia re-education camp in northern China. Canada has underlined to the Chinese authorities the concern of many Canadians regarding these reports. We have also requested clarification from the Chinese authorities on the circumstances surrounding the recent deaths.

Prime Minister Chretien intervened strongly on human rights during his Team Canada visit to China.

During the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting in July, I raised Canadian concerns about human rights, including freedom of spiritual practice, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan. In addition, human rights were also raised during the January 2001 visit to Canada of the Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Guangya and at the October 2000 session of the Joint Committee on Human Rights held in Ottawa.

Please be assured that we will continue to make our views known to the Chinese authorities. Thank you for taking the time to write.

Yours very truly,

John Manley