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Historical Perspective: 1994- Clinton Abandons Human Rights in China

Cong. Smith speaks to reporters following Bill Clinton’s controversial 1994 decision to give the Chinese dictatorship in the People’s Republic of China the Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status, de-linking human rights in China from U.S. trade policy.

In the News:

After leaving U.S. Embassy, Chen directly appeals to Smith for help through Associated Press
Wall Street Journal: Chen Asks for Passage to U.S., Leading to Biggest Diplomatic Crisis in Years
AFP: Chen Calls into Smith Hearing to Ask for Help
ABC News Report: Chen Guangcheng Phones Congress, Requests ‘Face-to-Face’ Meeting with Clinton

China Commission Chairman Chris Smith, left, and Bob Fu of ChinaAid talk to Chen Guangcheng via phone from this hospital room May 3.

Some of the Hearings chaired by Smith on Chen and other Chinese prisoners:

Smith, head of U.S. China Commission, holds emergency hearing on Chen escape to U.S. Embassy
Smith held an emergency hearing in November 2011 to determine Chen’s unknown status.
Hearing on Feb. 14, 2012 calling on Vice President Xi Jinping, China’s leader-in-waiting visiting White House, to release political prisoners.
Dec. 13, 2011 “Ten Years in the WTO: Has China Kept Its Promises?”
Dec. 7, 2011 hearing on imprisoned activist and 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo

Smith testified at:

Nov. 3, 2011 hearing on the tenth annual human rights review and analysis of China’s worsening human rights record.
Dec. 2, 2011 before the House Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement about his legislation, H.R. 2121, to deny senior Chinese leadership entry into the United States.

More News on Chen:

Wall Street Journal May 7, 2012
McClatchy News Service May 4, 2012
Miami Herald (Associated Press) May 3