[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CALLING ON CHINA TO RELEASE LI SHAOMIN AND ALL OTHER AMERICAN SCHOLARS 
              OF CHINESE ANCESTRY BEING HELD IN DETENTION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2001

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from New Jersey 
(Mr. Smith) for his laudable work in the area of human rights and 
injustice worldwide.
  This matter we discuss today hits particularly close to home. Li 
Shaomin is an American citizen that China is holding hostage.
  Sal Cordo, from Bloomfield, was his supervisor when Dr. Li worked for 
AT&T in New Jersey. Now Sal faces the unimaginable task of leading the 
charge to get his friend freed from a Chinese prison, where Dr. Li 
faces trumped up charges.
  In a recent article, China's Foreign Minister stated that, ``In 
China, observance of human rights is now in its historically best 
period.''
  If China is at its best when it is detaining American citizens 
without just cause, and waiting three months to press charges, then I 
cannot imagine them at their worst.
  We granted China permanent most favored nation (MFN) status. This 
trade we grant China has a price. MFN for China costs our nation both 
our values and our dignity.
  I would think they would be walking on eggshells to not act in such 
an offensive manner as they are by detaining Dr. Li. The Chinese 
government seems as determined as ever to quash expressions of personal 
freedom.
  In yesterday's Washington Post, there was an article entitled ``China 
Growing Uneasy about U.S. Relations.''
  The Chinese government should note that the people of New Jersey are 
not just uneasy about their actions, they are outraged!
  Those in the Chinese government should note that the U.S. Congress 
has not forgotten about Li Shaomin.
  The Bush administration should use every avenue at their disposal to 
encourage the Administration to place pressure on the Chinese 
government in asking for the release of Dr. Li and the other U.S. 
hostages.
  Before granting annual MFN, before we decide an official position on 
their Olympic bid, the Administration must convince the Chinese 
government that it is in their best interest to do as we ask, and they 
do it now.

                          ____________________