State Dept.: China a Vital Trade Partner -- Despite Poor Record on Religious Freedom
by Chad Groening
November 9, 2005
(AgapePress) - - The U.S. Department of State has released its annual report of "countries of particular concern" when it comes to violations of religious freedom around the world. China, the world's most populous country, remains on the list. The 2005 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom shows no change from 2004, with Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Vietnam all being repeat offenders. While the United States does not maintain diplomatic relations with several of those nations, it continues to give China preferred nation status.
John Hanford, ambassador at large for international religious freedom at the State Department, insists there has been improvement in the communist nation. "Things aren't as bad as they were ten years ago," he says. "An argument could be made that there has been some progress -- but everyone's disappointed that the progress has not been greater."
Hanford recognizes that many Americans believe the U.S. -- because of China's record on religious freedoms -- should stop buying so many Chinese products. But he does not think cutting trade with the communist regime is the answer.
"Our trade with China is so extensive now -- and many would say [it] benefits Americans to a large extent -- that there would be a large price to pay were we to pull back on that," he says.
The State Department official says when it comes to the question of trade with China, it is an issue on which good men and women can differ "because I know there are some who are passionate advocates for religious freedom who believe that the best way to get there, the best way to promote all human rights, is to build better ties through trade with China."
Those who advocate such an approach, he says, are hopeful that an economic "loosening up" by China will eventually lead to a similar response in the area of human rights.
Chad Groening, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
