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• 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
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated March 20, 2006]

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  "In 2005 the United States incurred a record merchandise trade deficit of $766 billion on a census basis and $782 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $58 billion gave a deficit of $724 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year -- up $108 billion or 17.2% from the $618 billion deficit in 2004. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2006-03-20
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated May 23, 2006]

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  "In 2005 the United States incurred a record merchandise trade deficit of $766 billion on a census basis and $782 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $58 billion gave a deficit of $724 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year -- up $108 billion or 17.2% from the $618 billion deficit in 2004. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2006-05-23
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated January 31, 2006]

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  "In 2004 the United States incurred a record merchandise trade deficit of $651 billion on a census basis and $665 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $48 billion gave a deficit of $617 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year -- up $121 billion or 24.3% from the $496.5 billion deficit in 2003. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2006-01-31
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated August 16, 2005]

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  "In 2004 the United States incurred a record merchandise trade deficit of $651 billion on a Census basis and $665 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $48 billion gave a deficit of $617 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year -- up $121 billion or 24.3% from the $496.5 billion deficit in 2003. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2005-08-16
• U.S. Assistance Programs in China [December 2, 2014]

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  From the summary: "This report examines U.S. foreign assistance activities in the People's Republic of China (PRC), undertaken by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The report also discusses related foreign operations appropriations, policy history, and legislative background. […] U.S. foreign assistance efforts in the PRC aim to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law; support sustainable livelihoods, cultural preservation, and environmental protection in Tibetan areas; and further U.S. interests through programs that address environmental problems and pandemic diseases in China. […] Some policy makers argue that the United States government should not support foreign assistance programs in China because the PRC has significant financial resources of its own and can manage its own development needs. Furthermore, they contend, some Chinese economic gains have been achieved through unfair trade practices. Other critics emphasize that U.S. democracy, rule of law, environmental, and related programs have had little effect in China. Some experts counter that U.S. programs in China aim to promote U.S. interests in areas where the PRC government has lacked the expertise or will to make greater progress. They argue that U.S. assistance activities in China have helped to develop protections of some rights, build foundations for civil society and the rule of law, and bolster reform-minded officials in the PRC government. Some proponents suggest that U.S. programs have nurtured relationships among governmental and nongovernmental actors and educational institutions in the United States and the PRC, which have helped to develop common understandings about democratic norms and principles. Other programs are said to have reduced environmental and health threats coming from China."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2014-12-02
• 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
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated November 26, 2005]

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  "In 2004 the United States incurred a record merchandise trade deficit of $651 billion on a census basis and $665 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $48 billion gave a deficit of $617 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year -- up $121 billion or 24.3% from the $496.5 billion deficit in 2003. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2005-11-26
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated May 16, 2005]

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  "In 2004 the United States incurred a record merchandise trade deficit of $651 billion on a Census basis and $665 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $48 billion gave a deficit of $617 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year -- up $121 billion or 24.3% from the $496.5 billion deficit in 2003. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2005-05-16
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated November 24, 2004]

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  "In 2003 the United States incurred a merchandise trade deficit of $535.7 billion on a Census basis and $549.4 billion on a balance- of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $60 billion gave a deficit of $489.3 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year, 17% higher than 2002. Year-to-date (January-October 2004), the trade deficit in goods and services, at $500.5 billion, is 21% higher compared to the same period in 2003. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2004-11-24
• U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated January 5, 2005]

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  "In 2003 the United States incurred a merchandise trade deficit of $535.7 billion on a Census basis and $549.4 billion on a balance- of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $60 billion gave a deficit of $489.3 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year, 17% higher than 2002. Year-to-date (January-October 2004), the trade deficit in goods and services, at $500.5 billion, is 21% higher compared to the same period in 2003. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2005-01-05
• 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
• Cambodia: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated December 14, 2018]

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  "U.S. relations with the Kingdom of Cambodia have become increasingly strained in recent years in light of Prime Minister Hun Sen's suppression of the political opposition and his growing embrace of the People's Republic of China (PRC). During the previous decade, U.S. engagement with the Kingdom slowly strengthened as western countries continued to pressure Hun Sen to abide by democratic norms and institutions and as the U.S. government attempted to prevent Cambodia from falling too heavily under China's influence. Following strong performances by the opposition in the 2013 and 2017 elections, the Cambodian government banned the largest opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), in 2017. As a result, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) ran virtually unopposed in the 2018 National Assembly election. The Trump Administration and Congress have imposed sanctions in order to pressure Hun Sen into restoring democratic rights and dropping criminal charges against opposition leaders."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2018-12-14
• 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
• Uyghurs in China [Updated June 18, 2019]

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  From the Document: "Uyghurs (also spelled 'Uighurs') are an ethnic group living primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the People's Republic of China's (PRC's) northwest. Uyghurs speak a Turkic language and practice a moderate form of Sunni Islam. The XUAR, often referred to simply as Xinjiang (pronounced 'SHIN-jyahng'), is a provincial-level administrative region which comprises about one-sixth of China's total land area and borders eight countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2019-06-18
• U.S. Assistance Programs in China [January 15, 2015]

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  From the summary: "This report examines U.S. foreign assistance activities in the People's Republic of China (PRC), undertaken by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The report also discusses related foreign operations appropriations, policy history, and legislative background. International programs supported by U.S. departments and agencies other than the Department of State and USAID, as well as Department of State public diplomacy programs, are not covered in this report. […] U.S. foreign assistance efforts in the PRC aim to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law; support sustainable livelihoods, cultural preservation, and environmental protection in Tibetan areas; and further U.S. interests through programs that address environmental problems and pandemic diseases in China. The U.S. Congress has played a leading role in determining program priorities and funding levels for these objectives. These programs constitute an important component of U.S. human rights policy toward China. […] Some policy makers argue that the U.S. government should not support foreign assistance programs in China because the PRC has significant financial resources of its own and can manage its own development needs. Furthermore, they contend, some Chinese economic gains have been achieved through unfair trade practices. Other critics emphasize that U.S. democracy, rule of law, environmental, and related programs have had little effect in China."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2015-01-15