[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      PRESIDENT CLINTON MEETS WITH PRESIDENT JIANG ZEMIN OF CHINA

  (Mr. DeLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, as I speak, the President of the United 
States is meeting with President Jiang of China. The people of the 
United States and the people of China share many interests and hopes 
for their futures.
  I voted for MFN because I believe that trade is one way we can 
influence the people of China to force their Government to give up its 
authoritarian ways. But as the President of China meets with the 
President of the United States, one message must be sent loud and 
clear: That the United States will not condone China's persecution of 
people for their religious and political beliefs.
  I am especially appalled by the treatment of Pastor Xu Yongze, who 
has been tortured and unjustly imprisoned simply because of his 
religious beliefs. Pasture Xu is a widely respected, mainstream pastor, 
often called the Billy Graham of China. He does not deserve this kind 
of treatment.
  So I urge President Clinton, Mr. Speaker, to convey this simple 
message to the President of China: If China wants to be a respected 
nation in the world, it must give up its persecution of innocent people 
who simply want a chance to practice their religion in peace.

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