Cardin, Rubio, Menendez and Corker Urge Greater Freedom of the Press in China

Press Release

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, also Subcommittee Ranking Member Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) have introduced a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 361) that 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. Over the past year, China has increased 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 their local staff, blocked websites, and reports of cyber hacking of media organizations.

"The ongoing crackdown on journalists and members of the press reporting in China is a grave concern. 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," said Senator Cardin. "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 the President to use all appropriate tools to improve and promote freedom of the press in China."

"Press freedom is a fundamental human right that exists to protect people from oppressive, corrupt and overreaching governments. Ensuring the free flow of information and opinions must be a key pillar of America's global human rights agenda. People, societies, economies and entire nations benefit when criticism is encouraged as a means to achieve progress. The Chinese government should not fear the great benefits to be gained from greater political and religious freedoms," Senator Rubio said.

"An open press is the hallmark of a thriving society, but the Chinese people are being denied these freedoms by their own government," said Senator Menendez. "A great nation embraces opposition and dissent, welcoming honest and critical news reporting. Press freedom is an essential element of good governance, not a hindrance and the Chinese government should take proactive reforms to encourage an open and independent media in China."

"The assault on press freedom in China is a serious problem that demands a forceful U.S. response. While first and foremost a human rights issue, censorship also has economic consequences for news organizations losing money when their websites are blocked," said Senator Corker. "The U.S. should make these concerns a high priority, along with other economic, security and human rights issues, in our regular discussions with Chinese leadership."

On January 30, the White House released a statement expressing deep concern "that foreign journalists in China continue to face restrictions that impede their ability to do their jobs, including extended delays in processing journalist visas, restrictions on travel to certain locations deemed "sensitive' by Chinese authorities and, in some cases, violence at the hands of local authorities." New York Times reporter Austin Ramzy was forced to leave China on January 30 due to processing delays for his press credentials.