Clark T. Randt, Jr.
United States Ambassador to China
United States Embassy of Beijing, China
Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3
100600
China
Dear Mr. Randt:
I am very concerned about the case of Chen Guangcheng, the blind human rights activist who was recently sentenced to several years in jail for publicizing such atrocities as forced late-term abortions and sterilizations.
I have read reports that describe how President Bush brings up issues related to human rights, such as religious freedom, with Chinese President Hu, but I wonder whether more could be done to put pressure on China to take more progressive steps, such as ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
I find it very confusing trying to figure out what formula the United States uses in deciding which people in the world need our troops and bombs in order to gain democratic freedoms, and which need gentle diplomatic urging. We should not sit idly by while the citizens of China are receiving such poor treatment and those who try and defend their rights are jailed.
Truly,
Liz Mann
