Committee Hearing Opening Statements
Smith, Pelosi Introduce Resolution Calling on Administration to Save Chinese Human Rights LeaderAt today’s hearing of the bipartisan Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC), Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-Chair of the Commission, announced the introduction of a resolution urging the Administration to seek the immediate humanitarian medical parole for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, a celebrated human rights champion who was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer but is not being allowed to seek medical treatment at advanced medical facilities outside of China. Joining Smith in introducing the resolution is Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, a longtime advocate for Chinese dissidents, Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-03), Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) and Rep. Robert Pittenger (NC-09). Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will be introducing a Senate companion bill. “Chinese officials repeatedly tell me I should focus more on the positive aspects of China and not dwell so much on the negative,” said Smith at the hearing entitled “Gagging the Lawyers: China’s Crackdown on Human Rights Lawyers and its Implications for U.S.-China Relations.” “That is an extremely difficult task when you read the horrifying and sadistic accounts of torture and enforced disappearances experienced by human rights lawyers and rights advocates. It is hard to be positive when you contemplate Liu Xiaobo’s cancer diagnosis and the fact that China effectively silenced its most brilliant democracy advocate. “The empty chair at the Oslo Nobel Prize ceremony speaks volumes about the Communist Party’s abiding fear that freedom will upend the power of the privileged few when they should be seeing liberty as a path to greater peace and prosperity.” “Liu Xiaobo is a hero who stands in the pantheon of great leaders for non-violence, justice and freedom throughout history,” said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. “His arrest and imprisonment are a disgraceful betrayal of the rule of law and China’s own constitution, but his courage throughout his persecution and imprisonment has been an inspiration to the world. The Chinese authorities must immediately and unconditionally provide Liu access to his family and to his lawyers. Liu must be allowed to receive the best possible medical care, wherever he wishes to receive it, in China or elsewhere. We also reiterate our call for Chinese officials to release all activists imprisoned for exercising their human rights, including Liu Xiaobo’s wife, Liu Xia, who unjustly remains under house arrest.” On Monday, as the news of Liu’s condition became clearer, Smith was among the first to call for Liu and his wife, Liu Xia, to be allowed to enter the United States in a joint statement with Rubio. “Liu Xiaobo's release for medical treatment in China is neither justice nor compassion; the Chinese government is just making sure this champion of democracy does not die in prison. It is a tragedy that his unjust imprisonment may now be tantamount to a death sentence,” said Smith in the statement. “Hopefully initial reports are wrong and there are cancer treatments available and I urge President Trump to seek his immediate transfer to the United States, with his wife Liu Xia, so that all options can be explored. “But, we should all be clear—China's treatment of those who peacefully seek legal and political reforms is shameful and sadistic—particularly if you look at the tortured bodies and broken minds of detained human rights lawyers. There is no more time left for excuses, the international community must hold Beijing accountable before it silences all those, like Liu Xiaobo, who dare to say that embracing human rights and democracy will make China stronger, more prosperous, and a more respected global power.” Smith was honored to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony in 2010 at the invitation of Liu Xiaobo’s family, held a press conference on Capitol Hill and introduced and guided to passage a House resolution to further bring to light the deeds and struggles of Liu. As Chair of the CECC and the Subcommittee on Global Human Rights, Smith has held multiple hearings on Liu Xiaobo’s championing of democracy, his arrest and later sentencing for “inciting subversion,” including an event on the five year anniversary of Dr. Liu receiving the Nobel Peace Prize where Smith pledged that the U.S. Congress “will not forget [Liu Xiaobo or his wife Liu Xia]—regardless of the circumstances—or how uncomfortable it makes the Chinese government.” ### |