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Laos: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated February 5, 2007]

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"For several years, U.S.-Laos relations were dominated by the debate over whether to grant normal trade relations status to Laos. On November 19, 2004, Congress approved legislation that granted nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Laos. The Lao government's alleged poor treatment of former CIA-trained Hmong guerillas was a key factor in the debate and remains a point of contention between the two countries. The United States and Laos cooperate in important areas, including recovering remains of Americans missing in action (MIAs) from the Vietnam War, counter-narcotics and de-mining efforts. "

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2007-02-05
Cambodia: Background and U.S. Relations [January 3, 2007]

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"Major U.S. goals in Cambodia include promoting good governance, democracy, and human rights, reducing the threat of terrorism, facilitating trade, and bringing Khmer Rouge leaders to justice. Several bills introduced in the 109th Congress reflected human rights concerns regarding Cambodia. The United States has prohibited many forms of assistance to the Central Government of Cambodia following Prime Minister Hun Sen's unlawful seizure of power in 1997. The United States has also withheld assistance for the Khmer Rouge tribunal, set up to try leaders of the Communist Party of Kampuchea for crimes against humanity, unless standards of judicial independence and fairness are met. Despite foreign aid restrictions, Cambodia remains the third largest recipient of United States assistance in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and the Philippines, much of it channeled through non-governmental organizations. The United States is the largest overseas market for Cambodian goods, mostly textiles and apparel. With the termination of quotas on textiles by WTO member states in 2005, Cambodian exports are threatened by competition from China. Cambodia and other least developed countries (LDCs) are pressing the United States to grant their garment exports preferential treatment. This report provides historical context, discusses political and economic developments in Cambodia, and raises policy issues regarding U.S.-Cambodian relations. These issues include U.S. foreign assistance to Cambodia, HIV/AIDS, human rights, terrorism, bilateral trade, the Khmer Rouge tribunal, and Cambodia's relations with China. This report will be updated periodically."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2007-01-03
China and Falun Gong [May 25, 2006]

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"In 1999, the 'Falun Gong' movement gave rise to the largest and most protracted public demonstrations in China since the democracy movement of a decade earlier. The People's Republic of China (PRC) government, fearful of a political challenge and the spread of social unrest, outlawed Falun Gong and carried out an intensive, comprehensive, and unforgiving campaign against the movement. Since 2003, Falun Gong has been largely suppressed or pushed deep underground in China while it has thrived in overseas Chinese communities and Hong Kong. The spiritual exercise group has become highly visible in the United States since 1999, staging demonstrations, distributing flyers, and sponsoring cultural events. In addition, Falun Gong followers are affiliated with several mass media outlets. Despite the group's tenacity and political activities overseas, it has not formed the basis of a dissident movement encompassing other social and political groups from China. [...] Since 1999, some Members of the United States Congress have made many public pronouncements and introduced several resolutions in support of Falun Gong and criticizing China's human rights record. In the 109th Congress, H.Res. 608, introduced on December 14, 2005, would condemn the 'escalating levels of religious persecution' in China, including the 'brutal campaign to eradicate Falun Gong.' H.Res. 794, introduced on May 3, 2006, would call upon the PRC to end its most egregious human rights abuses, including the persecution of Falun Gong. In January 2006, U.S. citizen Charles Li was released from a PRC prison after serving a three-year term for 'intending to sabotage' broadcasting equipment in China on behalf of Falun Gong."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2006-05-25
China's Trade with the United States and the World [Updated January 4, 2007]

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"As imports from the People's Republic of China (PRC) have surged in recent years, posing a threat to some U.S. industries and manufacturing employment, Congress has begun to focus on not only access to the Chinese market and intellectual property rights (IPO) protection, but also the mounting U.S. trade deficit with China as well as allegations that China is selling its products on the international market at below cost (dumping), engaging in 'currency manipulation,' and exploiting its workers. Members of the 109th Congress have introduced several bills that would impose trade sanctions on China for not revaluing its currency or for engaging in other acts of unfair trade, while the Bush Administration has imposed anti-dumping duties and safeguards against some PRC products and pressured China to revalue its currency and remove non-tariff trade barriers."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki

2007-01-04
China's Trade with the United States and the World [May 3, 2002]

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"This report provides basic data and analysis of China's international trade with the United States and with the world. The purpose of this report is both to provide actual data and charts of China's merchandise trade, to highlight certain trends in the trade flows, and to briefly discuss policy options. Both Chinese and trading partner data are presented for China's trade with the United States, Japan, and the European Union. Charts showing import trends by sector for the United States highlight China's growing market shares in many industries and also show import shares for Japan, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and ASEAN (Association for Southeast Asian Nations). Data on foreign direct investment in China also are included."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki

2002-05-03
U.S.-China Diplomacy Over Chinese Legal Advocate Chen Guangcheng [May 29, 2012]

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"The case of blind Chinese legal advocate Chen Guangcheng, who escaped from illegal house arrest in China's Shandong Province on April 20, 2012, and made his way to Beijing, the United States Embassy, and, ultimately, the United States, has generated strong congressional interest. While Chen was still in China, some Members questioned whether the U.S. State Department had done enough to ensure Chen's safety, with criticism focused on the State Department's decision to escort Chen from the Embassy to a Beijing hospital on May 2, 2012, and its willingness to accept verbal assurances from the Chinese government that it would ensure a 'safe environment' for Chen in China. With Chen now in the United States, remaining issues for the Administration and Congress include the fate of the family members, supporters, and friends back in China who helped him escape. […] This report begins by examining implications of the Chen case for the place of human rights in U.S.-China relations. It then discusses why Beijing may have been willing to negotiate with the United States at all over the fate of a Chinese citizen inside China. The report highlights the remaining issues in the case, details the understandings reached between the two governments, and then provides background on Chen Guangcheng and a list of his family and other associates in China who may be at risk. The report includes a map showing Chen's home district and Beijing, the city to which he escaped. It also includes a timeline of developments in the case from April 20, 2012, until May 19, 2012, based upon information available at the time of publication."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lawrence, Susan V.; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2012-05-29
Laos: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 4, 2010]

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"Laos, one of the poorest countries in Asia, has made some notable political, social, and economic progress in recent years. Religious freedom reportedly has improved, particularly in urban areas. In 2009, the LPDR [Laos People's Democratic Republic] ratified the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and promulgated a legal framework for non-governmental organizations. Opium production and use have dropped dramatically since 1998. Between 1988 and 2008, the economy grew by over 6% per year, with the exception of 1997-1998 due to the Asian Financial Crisis. Meanwhile, U.S.-Laos trade has grown rapidly, albeit from a low base. In 2008, total trade between Laos and the United States was valued at $60 million compared to $15 million in 2006. The government has implemented market-oriented reforms, but progress has been slow. Major U.S. policy considerations include urging the Lao government to accept independent, international monitoring of the resettlement of former Lao-Hmong insurgents and Hmong returnees from Thailand; urging the Thai government not to forcibly repatriate Hmong determined to be political refugees; increasing assistance for de-mining activities in Laos; granting trade preferences or tariff relief for Lao products, particularly garments; and developing programs for sustainable management of the Mekong River."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2010-01-04
China's Trade with the United States and the World [Updated August 18, 2006]

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"China runs a trade surplus with the world's three major economic centers -- the United States, the European Union, and Japan. Since 2000, the United States has incurred its largest bilateral trade deficit with China ($201 billion in 2005, a 25% rise over 2004). In 2003, China replaced Mexico as the second largest source of imports for the United States. China's share of U.S. imports was 14.6% in 2005, although this proportion still falls short of Japan's 18% of the early 1990s. The United States is China's largest overseas market and second largest source of foreign direct investment on a cumulative basis. U.S. exports to China have been growing rapidly as well, although from a low base. In 2004, China replaced Germany and the United Kingdom to become the fourth largest market for U.S. goods. China is purchasing heavily from its Asian trading partners -- particularly precision machinery, electronic components, and raw materials for manufacturing. China is running trade deficits with Taiwan and South Korea and has become a major buyer of goods from Japan and Southeast Asia. […] This report provides a quantitative framework for policy considerations dealing with U.S. trade with China. It provides basic data and analysis of China's international trade with the United States and other countries. Since Chinese data differ considerably from those of its trading partners (because of how entrepot trade through Hong Kong is counted), data from both PRC [People's Republic of China] sources and those of its trading partners are presented. Charts showing import trends by sector for the United States highlight China's growing market shares in many industries and also show import shares for Japan, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This report will be updated bi-annually."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki

2006-08-18
Human Rights in China and U.S. Policy: Issues for the 113th Congress [April 8, 2013]

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"This report examines human rights issues in the People's Republic of China (PRC), including ongoing rights abuses, legal reforms, and the development of civil society. Major events of the past year include the PRC leadership transition, the Wukan protests over land expropriation, the negotiations that allowed legal advocate Chen Guangcheng to leave China, and the Tibetan self-immolations. Ongoing human rights problems include excessive use of force by public security forces, unlawful detention, torture of detainees, arbitrary use of state security laws against political dissidents and ethnic groups, coercive family planning practices, persecution of unsanctioned religious activity, state control of information, and mistreatment of North Korean refugees. Tibetans, Uighur Muslims, and Falun Gong adherents continue to receive especially harsh treatment."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2013-04-08
U.S.-Funded Assistance Programs in China [May 18, 2007]

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"United States foreign operations appropriations for the People's Republic of China (PRC) primarily support democracy-related programs, particularly rule of law training, and support Tibetan communities. The U.S. Congress has played a leading role in providing funding for such programs, which has grown from $10 million in FY2002 to $23 million in FY2006. Major funding areas include legal training, legal aid, criminal defense, labor rights, and non-governmental organization (NGO) development in China, monitoring human rights conditions in the PRC from outside China, and preserving Tibetan culture."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2007-05-18
Human Rights in China and U.S. Policy: Issues for the 113th Congress [May 6, 2013]

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"This report examines human rights issues in the People's Republic of China (PRC), including ongoing rights abuses, legal reforms, and the development of civil society. Major events of the past year include the PRC leadership transition, the Wukan protests over land expropriation, the negotiations that allowed legal advocate Chen Guangcheng to leave China, and the Tibetan self-immolations. Ongoing human rights problems include excessive use of force by public security forces, unlawful detention, torture of detainees, arbitrary use of state security laws against political dissidents and ethnic groups, coercive family planning practices, persecution of unsanctioned religious activity, state control of information, and mistreatment of North Korean refugees. Tibetans, Uighur Muslims, and Falun Gong adherents continue to receive especially harsh treatment."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2013-05-06
U.S.-Cambodia Relations: Issues for the 113th Congress [July 24, 2013]

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"The United States and the Kingdom of Cambodia have been expanding their once-limited ties for a number of years, although U.S. concerns about Cambodia's human rights record still limit the scope of the bilateral relationship. The Obama Administration has taken steps to broaden engagement with Cambodia, partly in response to China's growing diplomatic and economic influence in Cambodia and the Lower Mekong Delta region. U.S. interests in Cambodia include promoting development, trade and investment, regional security, civil society, democracy, and human rights. U.S. military engagement with Cambodia has increased as well. These include naval port visits, military assistance, and joint exercises related to international peacekeeping, humanitarian activities, and maritime security. A key challenge for U.S. policy toward Cambodia lies in balancing efforts to engage the Kingdom on many fronts while promoting democracy and human rights. During the past decade, the Kingdom has made fitful progress in some areas of U.S. concern, including the conduct of elections, the development of civil society, labor rights, bringing some Khmer Rouge leaders to justice, public health, and counterterrorism measures. However, during the past several years, the political system has become less democratic and civil liberties have been curtailed. Although political opposition groups may gain parliamentary seats in the July 28, 2013 national elections by forming a united front and tapping into voter discontent among urban and marginalized groups, Prime Minister Hun Sen's continued hold on power seems assured."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2013-07-24
Cambodia: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [May 11, 2015]

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"The United States and the Kingdom of Cambodia have been strengthening bilateral ties for several years. U.S. concerns about governmental abuses of power and human rights violations, however, have constrained the development of relations. Areas of congressional concern have included providing development assistance, promoting democracy and human rights, and supporting victims of Khmer Rouge atrocities. U.S. interests in Cambodia, one of the poorest countries in Asia, include strengthening democratic institutions and norms, encouraging civic participation in politics, promoting the rule of law, increasing bilateral trade and investment, supporting economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving public health. U.S. military engagement includes naval port visits, military assistance, education and training, and joint exercises related to international peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster response, and counterterrorism. The United States also has provided assistance to Cambodia, one of the countries in the world most heavily afflicted by unexploded ordnance (UXO), for de-mining programs and victims of UXO. The Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), launched by the Obama Administration in 2009, is a foreign assistance effort through which the United States aims to promote cooperation and capacity building among Lower Mekong River countries (Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam) in several sectors. The LMI has become an element of the U.S. strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2015-05-11
Australia: Background and U.S. Relations [December 14, 2015]

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"The Commonwealth of Australia and the United States enjoy a very close alliance relationship. Australia shares many cultural traditions and values with the United States and has been a treaty ally since the signing of the Australia-New Zealand-United States (ANZUS) Treaty in 1951. Australia made major contributions to the allied cause in the First and Second World Wars, and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During his visit to Australia in 2011, President Obama announced the rotational stationing of U.S. Marines in northern Australia. This initiative and others, which are viewed as part of the United States' rebalance to Asia strategy, have continued to develop through the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial (AUSMIN) process. A cornerstone of Australia's strategic outlook, which is shared by the leading political parties, is the view that the United States is Australia's most important strategic partner and is a key source of stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The ANZUS alliance also remains very popular with the Australian public. While Australia has a complex array of relations with many state and non-state actors, its geopolitical context is to a large extent defined by its economic relationship with China and its strategic relationship with the United States. Australia's political leadership believes it does not have to choose between the two and that it can have constructive trade relations with China while maintaining its close strategic alliance relationship with the United States. However, a fundamental shift in the geostrategic architecture of Asia may be underway as regional states may be hedging against the perceived relative decline of U.S. power in the region. This is one interpretation of what is behind the recent strengthening of ties between Australia and Japan and between other regional powers in Asia. Australia also plays a key role in promoting regional stability in Southeast Asia and the Southwest Pacific, and has led peacekeeping efforts in the Asia-Pacific, including in Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2015-12-14
Human Rights in China: Trends and Policy Implications [July 13, 2009]

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"Human rights has been a principal area of U.S. concern in its relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC), particularly since the violent government crackdown on the Tiananmen democracy movement in 1989. Some policy makers contend that the U.S. policy of engagement with China has failed to produce meaningful political reform. Others argue that U.S. engagement has helped to accelerate economic and social change and build social and legal foundations for democracy and human rights in the PRC. This report analyzes China's mixed record on human rights -- major human rights issues, PRC human rights legislation, and the development of civil society, legal awareness, and social and political activism. This report discusses major areas of interest but does not provide an exhaustive account of all human rights abuses or related incidents. [...] The U.S. government's efforts to promote human rights and democracy in China have included open or formal criticisms of PRC human rights conditions, bilateral dialogue, sanctions, and congressionally sponsored legislation, hearings, and investigations. Members of the 111th Congress have called upon the PRC leadership to release political prisoners, cease persecution of Falun Gong and 'house churches,' and respect the rights of ethnic minorities; introduced various resolutions supporting human rights in China; and passed legislation upholding Tibetan rights, commemorating the 1989 democracy movement, and supporting human rights activists. The U.S. government also provides funding for rule of law, civil society development, participatory government, labor rights, Tibetan culture, Internet access, and other programs in the PRC."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Fischer, Hannah

2009-07-13
Human Rights in China: Trends and Policy Implications [June 12, 2009]

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"Human rights has been a principal area of U.S. concern in its relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC), particularly since the violent government crackdown on the Tiananmen democracy movement in 1989. Some policy makers contend that the U.S. policy of engagement with China has failed to produce meaningful political reform. Others argue that U.S. engagement has helped to accelerate economic and social change and build social and legal foundations for democracy and human rights in the PRC. This report analyzes China's mixed record on human rights -- major human rights issues, PRC human rights legislation, and the development of civil society, legal awareness, and social and political activism. This report discusses major areas of interest but does not provide an exhaustive account of all human rights abuses or related incidents. [...] The U.S. government's efforts to promote human rights and democracy in China have included open or formal criticisms of PRC human rights conditions, bilateral dialogue, sanctions, and congressionally sponsored legislation, hearings, and investigations. Members of the 111th Congress have called upon the PRC leadership to release political prisoners, cease persecution of Falun Gong and 'house churches,' and respect the rights of ethnic minorities; introduced various resolutions supporting human rights in China; and passed legislation upholding Tibetan rights, commemorating the 1989 democracy movement, and supporting human rights activists. The U.S. government also provides funding for rule of law, civil society development, participatory government, labor rights, Tibetan culture, Internet access, and other programs in the PRC."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Fischer, Hannah; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2009-06-12
Human Rights in China: Trends and Policy Implications [October 31, 2008]

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"In the past two decades, human rights has been a principal area of U.S. concern regarding the People's Republic of China (PRC), along with security and bilateral trade. Some U.S. leaders argue that U.S. policies of engagement with China, particularly since granting the PRC normal trade relations status in 2000, have helped to accelerate economic and social change and build social and legal foundations for human rights progress in the PRC. Others contend that U.S. engagement has failed not only to produce meaningful political reform but also to set any real change in motion. This report analyzes China's mixed human rights record of the past several years - major human rights problems, new human rights legislation, and the development of civil society, legal awareness, and social activism. It also discusses factors that may help shape trends during the next several years. In the past decade, PRC government has attempted to respond to public grievances and popular calls for redress while subduing activists who attempt to organize mass protests. This approach has produced both incremental improvements in human rights and allowed for continued, serious abuses. Major, ongoing problems include unlawful killings by security forces, torture, unlawful detention, the excessive use of state security laws to imprison political dissidents, coercive family planning policies, state control of information, and religious and ethnic persecution. Tibetans, ethnic Uighur Muslims, and Falun Gong adherents have been singled out for especially harsh treatment. This report discusses major areas of concern but does not provide an exhaustive account of all human rights abuses in the PRC."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Fischer, Hannah

2008-10-31
Laos: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated November 22, 2004]

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"Until November 2004, when Congress passed legislation extending nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Laos, the Southeast Asian nation remained one of the few countries with which the United States did not have normal trade relations (NTR). The debate in Congress over whether to grant NTR status to Laos was long influenced by the legacy of U.S. military involvement in Laos during the Vietnam War and by allegations of serious human rights abuses in the country, particularly against the Hmong ethnic minority. Despite strained bilateral relations, the United States and Laos have cooperated in important areas, including recovering remains of Americans missing in action (MIAs) and counter-narcotics efforts. On November 19, 2004, Congress passed the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 (H.R. 1047), which granted normal trade relations treatment to Laos."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2004-11-22
Human Rights in China and U.S. Policy: Issues for the 113th Congress [June 5, 2013]

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"This report examines human rights issues in the People's Republic of China (PRC), including ongoing rights abuses, legal reforms, and the development of civil society. Major events of the past year include the PRC leadership transition, the Wukan protests over land expropriation, the negotiations that allowed legal advocate Chen Guangcheng to leave China, and the Tibetan self-immolations. Ongoing human rights problems include excessive use of force by public security forces, unlawful detention, torture of detainees, arbitrary use of state security laws against political dissidents and ethnic groups, coercive family planning practices, persecution of unsanctioned religious activity, state control of information, and mistreatment of North Korean refugees. Tibetans, Uighur Muslims, and Falun Gong adherents continue to receive especially harsh treatment."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2013-06-05
U.S.-Cambodia Relations: Issues for the 113th Congress [June 19, 2013]

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"The United States and the Kingdom of Cambodia have been expanding their once-limited ties for a number of years, although U.S. concerns about Cambodia's human rights record still limit the scope of the bilateral relationship. The Obama Administration has taken steps to broaden engagement with Cambodia, partly in response to China's growing diplomatic and economic influence in Cambodia and the Lower Mekong Delta region. U.S. interests in Cambodia include promoting development, trade and investment, regional security, civil society, democracy, and human rights. U.S. military engagement with Cambodia has increased as well. These include naval port visits, military assistance, and joint exercises related to international peacekeeping, humanitarian activities, and maritime security. A key challenge for U.S. policy toward Cambodia lies in balancing efforts to engage the Kingdom on many fronts while promoting democracy and human rights. During the past decade, the Kingdom has made fitful progress in some areas of U.S. concern, including the conduct of elections, the development of civil society, labor rights, bringing some Khmer Rouge leaders to justice, public health, and counterterrorism measures. However, during the past several years, the political system has become less democratic and civil liberties have been curtailed. Although political opposition groups may gain parliamentary seats in the upcoming July 2013 national elections by forming a united front and tapping into voter discontent among urban and marginalized groups, Prime Minister Hun Sen's continued hold on power seems assured."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2013-06-19
Human Rights in China and U.S. Policy: Issues for the 113th Congress [June 19, 2013]

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"This report examines human rights issues in the People's Republic of China (PRC), including ongoing rights abuses, legal reforms, and the development of civil society. Major events of the past year include the PRC leadership transition, the Wukan protests over land expropriation, the negotiations that allowed legal advocate Chen Guangcheng to leave China, and the Tibetan self-immolations. Ongoing human rights problems include excessive use of force by public security forces, unlawful detention, torture of detainees, arbitrary use of state security laws against political dissidents and ethnic groups, coercive family planning practices, persecution of unsanctioned religious activity, state control of information, and mistreatment of North Korean refugees. Tibetans, Uighur Muslims, and Falun Gong adherents continue to receive especially harsh treatment."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2013-06-19
U.S. - Funded Assistance Programs in China [April 24, 2009]

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"U.S. government support of rule of law and civil society programs in the People's Republic of China (PRC) constitutes a key component of its efforts to promote democratic change in China. Other related U.S. activities include participation in official bilateral dialogues on human rights, public diplomacy programs, and open criticism of PRC policies. During the past decade, U.S. assistance to China has grown in size and breadth. Funding has grown from an annual average of $11.1 million during the 2000-2004 period, mostly for democracy assistance and aid to Tibetans, to $31.5 million during the 2005-2008 period, which included not only democracy and Tibetan assistance but also new funding for educational exchanges and health care programs (HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment). Between 2000 and 2008, the United States government authorized or made available roughly $182 million for programs in China, of which $159 million was devoted to human rights and democracy activities and to Tibetan communities. [...] U.S. rule of law and civil society programs have created a web of relationships among governmental and non-governmental actors and educational institutions in both the United States and China. Despite growing contacts and common interests among these entities, Chinese civil society groups remain subject to PRC restrictions and occasional crackdowns on their activities. Some of these groups also have been affected by the ups and downs of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2009-04-24
Human Rights in China and U.S. Policy: Issues for the 114th Congress [March 24, 2015]

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"This report examines human rights issues in the People's Republic of China (PRC), including recent developments, ongoing rights abuses, and legal reforms. Major events of the past year include a continuing clampdown on political dissent and civil society and an escalation of violence in Xinjiang, which many experts attribute at least in part to repressive government policies. Some observers view the closing of the 'Re-education Through Labor' penal system as a potentially positive development, although many PRC citizens still are subject to various forms of extra-legal detention. Other, ongoing human rights problems in China include the following: arbitrary use of state security laws against political dissidents; torture of persons in custody; persecution of unsanctioned religious activity; state controls on expression and the flow of information; coercive family planning practices; and mistreatment of North Korean refugees. Tibetans, Uighur Muslims, and Falun Gong adherents continue to receive especially harsh treatment from authorities. For additional information, including policy recommendations, see CRS Report R41007, 'Understanding China's Political System'; the Congressional-Executive Commission on China's 'Annual Report 2014'; the U.S. Department of State's 'Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013'; and other resources cited below."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2015-03-24
China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean [September 18, 2018]

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"As the People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean over the past 15 years, U.S. policymakers have raised questions regarding potential implications for U.S. interests in the region. China's engagement with the region has grown significantly since 2001, particularly in terms of diplomatic and economic ties.This growth reflects China's increasing global 'soft power' efforts worldwide. A succession of Chinese leaders and other officials have visited the region to court governments, and in turn regional leaders and officials have been frequent visitors to China. The PRC has signed a variety of bilateral partnership agreements with several countries in the region, including 'strategic partnerships' with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sullivan, Mark P.; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2018-09-18
Cambodian Elections [July 26, 2018]

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"Cambodian National Assembly elections, scheduled for July 29, 2018, are expected to be a setback for the country's prospects for democratization. The ruling political party, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), banned the largest opposition party in 2017 and will run virtually unopposed. Steps taken by the Trump Administration and Congress to respond to the Cambodian government's 'anti-democratic' actions have been met with defiance by the Cambodian leader, Hun Sen."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2018-07-26
Mongolia [July 10, 2018]

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"Mongolia is a landlocked nation of 3 million people between Russia and China. It is often viewed as a democratic success story both among former Soviet satellite states and in Asia. In 1989, democratic activists staged protests against communist rule and formed the Mongolian Democratic Union. The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), which had ruled the country since 1921, allowed multiparty elections in 1990 and relinquished power in 1996, when a Democratic Party (DP)-led coalition of opposition forces won nationwide elections. Since then, the Mongolian legislature and presidency have peacefully exchanged power several times. Mongolia's foreign relations are driven by a desire to preserve the nation's autonomy by balancing relations between major partners, including the United States, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and Russia, and also Japan and South Korea. Its economy is supported by extensive mineral resources, but growth remains uneven, driven by fluctuations in mineral and petroleum prices."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Dolven, Ben

2018-07-10
Cambodian Election [August 1, 2018]

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"The Cambodian National Assembly election, held on July 29, 2018, resulted in a victory for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Critics viewed the election, in which the CPP likely won all 125 parliamentary seats, as neither free nor fair and the victory as 'hollow' given that the CPP banned the largest opposition party in 2017. The Trump Administration stated that the poll 'failed to represent the will of the Cambodian people' and represented 'the most significant setback yet to the democratic system enshrined in Cambodia's constitution…' Nearly 600,000 ballots, or roughly 9% of votes cast, reportedly were invalid, most of which the opposition believes were purposely spoiled to protest the illegitimacy of the election."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2018-08-01
Confucious Institutes in the United States: Selected Issues [April 15, 2019]

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From the Document: "The People's Republic of China (PRC)'s Confucius Institutes, which offer Chinese language classes in universities and other academic institutions around the world, have been the subject of controversy since appearing on U.S. campuses in 2005, particularly for their perceived effects on academic freedom and lack of transparency. They have attracted further attention in recent years as some Members of Congress and others have alleged that they may play a role in China's efforts to influence public opinion abroad, recruit 'influence agents' on U.S. campuses, and engage in cyber espionage and intellectual property theft. PRC officials and scholars deny such charges, and suggest that the Institutes have been become victims of a U.S. 'Cold War mentality' and 'cultural containment' of China."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2019-04-15
Pacific Islands [May 10, 2019]

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From the Overview: "The Pacific Islands region in the Southwest Pacific is attracting increasing attention from U.S. foreign policy experts, largely driven by the People's Republic of China's (PRC's) expanding engagement in the region. Other concerns include climate change and sea level rise; challenges related to illegal fishing and the sustainability of fisheries in the region; and issues related to self-determination and decolonization. The region has strategic significance for the United States because it hosts key U.S. military installations and because Pacific nations are reliable supporters of U.S. diplomatic initiatives, particularly at the United Nations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-

2019-05-10
President Trump Criticizes VOA Coverage of China's COVID-19 Response [April 28, 2020]

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From the Document: "On April 10, 2020, the White House included in its online '1600 Daily' summary of key news and events a statement entitled 'Voice of America Spends Your Money to Speak for Authoritarian Regimes.' The statement referred to a Voice of America (VOA) story and two posts that, it asserted, 'amplified Beijing's propaganda' about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The statement criticized VOA for running an Associated Press article on its website on April 7, 2020, which referred to Wuhan's lockdown as a 'model' for other countries battling the coronavirus. The White House statement provided an image of part of a March 31, 2020, VOA Facebook post, which included a graphic showing that the U.S. COVID-19 death toll had surpassed China's then-official tally. On April 7, 2020, a VOA tweet showed a video of a light show put on by the Wuhan government to mark the end of the city's lockdown. VOA operates under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent, federal entity whose mission is to' provide unbiased news and information in countries where the press is restricted.' Voice of America released a response to the White House statement, asserting that 'VOA has thoroughly debunked' Chinese government and state-run disinformation and propaganda related to the pandemic, and that 'we are free to show all sides of an issue and are actually mandated to do so by law,' unlike Chinese media."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Weed, Matthew C.

2020-04-28

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