[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3145]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN CHINA

  Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, today I would like to draw attention to 
a disturbing trend impacting the work of journalists in China.
  On January 30, 2014, New York Times reporter Austin Ramzy was forced 
to leave China due to processing delays for his press credentials. 
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. In 2013, Reporters 
Without Borders ranked China 173rd out of 179 countries in terms of 
press freedoms. Over the past year, we have seen China increase efforts 
to curb the work of foreign news organizations, including extended 
delays in processing journalist visas, restrictions on access to 
``sensitive'' locations and individuals, pressure on local staff, 
blocked Web sites, and reports of cyber hacking of media organizations.
  To call attention to this suppression, I, as chairman of the Senate 
Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, along 
with subcommittee ranking member Marco Rubio, Senate Foreign Relations 
chairman Bob Menendez, and ranking member Bob Corker, introduced S. 
Res. 361. This resolution urges the People's Republic of China to take 
meaningful steps to improve freedom of expression in China as fitting 
of a responsible international stakeholder.
  The ongoing crackdown on journalists and members of the press 
reporting in China is of grave concern to me. A country that engages in 
routine censorship and online blocking; harassment, reprisals, and 
detention of journalists; and visa delays or denials for journalists 
not only fails its own people but also fails the international 
community. A vibrant and free press instills trust in one's government, 
creates a more transparent environment for business investments, 
develops an engaged community, and builds legitimacy as a secure, 
global leader. We expect our partners to strive for these standards.
  As we look to rebalance our policy toward the Asia-Pacific region, 
the United States has a responsibility to promote respect for universal 
human rights. We urge President Obama to use all appropriate tools to 
improve and promote freedom of the press in China.
  I would like to thank my colleagues for joining me in support of 
press freedom in China.

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