Chinese Government Overtly Contacting US Congress to Influence Decisions of US Representatives

Below are three news articles on the subject, from China Post, Taipei Times and Washington Times.

China's embassy in Washington D.C. has sent an e-mail to U.S. Senate aides urging them to dissuade members of Congress from supporting Taiwan's upcoming referendum, according to a report in Friday's Washington Times newspaper.

The e-mail, apparently sent by embassy Counselor Niu Qingbao, is in response to an effort by Representatives Peter Deutsch, a Democrat from Florida, and Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from California, to urge members of Congress to back the March 20 referendum.

"We believe that you, the people of Taiwan have consistently demonstrated your passion for human rights, transparency, and the democratic process," the Times' article quotes the congressmen as writing. "Your 23 million citizens have earned the right to decide for yourselves the issues affecting your well-being and security," the letter continues.

Deutsch, writing recently in support of President Chen Shui-bian's referendum noted: "The vast majority of the United States Congress is very supportive of the actions of the Taiwanese government in terms of putting a referendum to the ballot regarding the defense options that Taiwan has."

While, a House resolution supporting the referendum was drafted, it is not likely to be adopted, according to Deutsch speaking at the Heritage Foundation recently.

As this is an election year in the U.S. as well, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay apparently wanted to steer clear of a resolution on the controversial referendum when U.S. President George W. Bush has already scolded President Chen over the issue.

The representatives' letter to their colleagues was designed to act as a petition and as a substitute for a resolution.

In his e-mail, Niu expressed his "grave concern" over the representatives' letter in support of Taiwan's referendum, according to the Times.

"As experts on foreign affairs, you know only too well that this 'referendum' has nothing to do with democracy and everything to do with abusing democracy as a cover for Chen's pursuit of 'Taiwan independence' and getting himself re-elected," the e-mail continues.

Niu goes on to ask the Senate aides to "advise" their senators "against" signing the representatives' letter.

Congressman Rohrabacher, a fervent support of Taiwan, speaking in favor of the referendum at a the Heritage Foundation recently said: "What's the big deal. If (Taiwan's people) want to have a vote, they should have a vote." And, Taiwan serves as a model for the mainland, he added.

"Let's hope that some day the people of China will be able to vote on what they want to vote on too," he said.

Taiwan has been highly successful in lobbying Congress and has widespread support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

China's embassy in Washington increased the number of political officers in its Congressional Liaison Office to 26 earlier this year in a bid to more effectively influence members of Congress.

Taiwan supporters in the US Congress and the Chinese Embassy in Washington have mounted a war of words over congressional moves to endorse next Saturday's referendum, but the Chinese actions are apparently backfiring by convincing more and more lawmakers to sign a letter expressing US backing for the referendum, congressional staffers say.

The congressional letter, which is being circulated by Representatives Peter Deutsch, a Florida Democrat, and Dana Rohrabacher, a California Republican, was sent to House members Thursday morning.

But even before that, Chinese Ambassador Yang Jiechi (???), hearing of the efforts, sent an e-mail letter to House members urging them not to sign the Deutsch-Rohrabacher letter.

That action, aides to the two representatives say, piqued the representative's interest -- and perhaps resentment -- resulting in a flood of phone calls to the two authors even before the Deutsch-Rohrabacher letters reached the members' offices.

The ambassador "is doing our legwork for us," an aide to Deutsch told the Taipei Times.

"The lobbying effort by China against my letter of support for the Taiwan people's democratic rights is chilling," he said in a statement.

Despite the ambassador's efforts, "the United States must always stand by democratic principles. I call on the Bush administration to do the same."

As a result, the letter, which a congressional aide said was originally "not meant to be a big deal," has blossomed into a major issue on Capitol Hill. Since the ambassador sent his e-mail "we have been receiving lots of calls," an aide said.

And, although the letter signing effort was limited to the House, word of the effort has reached the Senate, and a number of senators have also called seeking to sign on.

The idea of a letter arose after the Republican congressional leadership earlier this year refused to allow consideration of a resolution or bill formally committing Congress to backing the referendum.

That, in turn, Taiwan's congressional supporters say, was because Bush opposed any pro-Taiwan legislation in advance of the election, in keeping with the administration's suspicion of the referendum, which Bush voiced last December after meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (???).

In the letter, addressed "To the people of Taiwan," the representative's say that "we believe that you, the people of Taiwan, have consistently demonstrated your passion for human rights, transparency, and the democratic process.

"Your 23 million citizens have earned the right to decide for yourselves the issue affecting your well-being and security. You have earned the right to hold exclusive responsibility for determining the future of Taiwan and to exercise democratic processes.

"This includes holding referenda free from intimidation or threat of force from any country including communist China."

In a cover memorandum attached to the letter, Deutsch and Rohrabacher urge their fellow lawmakers that, "as we have in the past, the US must support the right of the Taiwanese populace to speak its mind through a peaceful voting process."

It is not clear how many lawmakers have agreed to sign, but congressional staffers say that at this time they expect some 20 signatures. However, with the growing interest spurred by the Chinese e-mail, they say this could very well grow by the time in the middle of this week that they stop collecting signatures and try to circulate the letter in Taiwan.

In his letter, Yang quoted Bush's comments after the Wen meeting, in which Bush voiced opposition to President Chen Shui-bian's (???) decision to hold the referendum as possibly changing the "status quo" in the Strait.

He also quoted in part a subsequent comment by Secretary of State Colin Powell in which he said, "we don't see a need for these referenda." At the time, Powell also said that it was up to Taiwan to decide whether or not to hold a referendum.

"President Bush and former President Clinton have all made it clear that the United States does not support `Taiwan independence,'" Yang claimed.

Yang expressed "grave concern" over the congressional letter, and charged that Chen is using the referendum only for his own political gain.

Niu Qingbao, an aggressive advocate of communist China at Bejing's embassy in Washington, has sent an e-mail to Senate aides urging them to warn their bosses against supporting Taiwan's upcoming referendum.

At issue, is a "Dear Colleague" letter circulating in the House that calls on lawmakers to go on record supporting the island's March 10 voter referendum. The referendum calls for peaceful means to settle the China-Taiwan issue.

"We believe that you, the people of Taiwan have consistently demonstrated your passion for human rights, transparency, and the democratic process," states the letter sponsored by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California Republican, and Rep. Peter Deutsch, Florida Democrat. Addressed to the people of Taiwan, the letter adds, "Your 23 million citizens have earned the right to decide for yourselves the issues affecting your well-being and security."

The Senate Republican Policy Committee is circulating the House letter in hopes of starting a similar message in the Senate. An aide said that interference by Mr. Qingbao is helping to spark interest.

Mr. Qingbao's e-mail to Senate aides said, in part, "I have learnt with grave concern that Congressmen Peter Deutsch and Dana Rohrabacher have issued a public statement in support of the 'referendum' advocated by [President] Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan and are soliciting co-signature of other members.

"I thank you for your attention and hope you will advise your senator against cosigning this open statement should it come to your attention."

Washington and Beijing adhere to the "one-China" policy, refusing to recognize Taiwan's independence. But President Bush has said the United States will come to the island's aid if China invades.

This is a follow up of this post from the ends of 2003: Letter from Chinese Ambassador to all U.S. House of Representatives Members about Taiwan

This sort of direct interference on the part of the Chinese communist government and congress is not right and does not bode well for the autonomy of our representatives.

We have seen how these same group was able to gain access and influence Clinton. We need to be aware it is ongoing and expanding.

4 posted on 03/14/2004 9:38:58 AM PST by lowbridge (I can think of a punishment worse than death for Saddam, but Hillary is already married.)

227 years after our Declaration of Independence, we have in the White House a person named George who is against a Declaration of Independence. Oh, the irony.

227 years after our Declaration of Independence, we have in the White House a person named George who is against a Declaration of Independence. Oh, the irony.

How do you come to that determination?

At the time, Powell also said that it was up to Taiwan to decide whether or not to hold a referendum.

Is it prudent to take the word of Yang and assume, through his statements that our sitting POTUS is against freedom??

Being quite familiar with this situation from the US and the Taiwanese side, I can only conclude that:
A. You have not thoroughly read the complete texts on this item.
B. You are not familiar with the situation.
C. You are not familiar with disinformation techniques used by various political actors.
D. Have an agenda of your own.

Of course there are other reasons that could be named, but I do wish to be civil on a Sunday morning. Good fortune to you.

So does every other county - including Saudi Arabia. What America tries to do with every other country as well. Shock us with something new.

8 posted on 03/14/2004 10:49:59 AM PST by Destro (Know your enemy! Help fight Islamic terrorism by visiting www.johnathangaltfilms.com)

They are also giving out bumper stickers, seen increasingly on cars around Washington, D.C.:

I'M A CHINESE NATIONAL AND I VOTE!

A. I have read the referendum in Taiwan which will serve as a basis for, ultimately, independence

B. Although not a scholar of Taiwan's politics, I am an avider reader of all things Taiwanese. In addition, I had the pleasure of living in Taiwan for half a year.

C. George Bush has warned the DPP in general and President Chen Shui not to push for the referendum which will, if passed, lead to the Declaration of Independence

D. My agenda is the support of a people that embrace democracy and freedom as opposed to communism, forced abortions, slavery, and religious genocide.

E. As evidenced by your post, I see where you stand.

In December, President Bush warned both sides against "any unilateral decision ... to change the status quo," which Taiwan took as a clear rebuke to Chen's referendum plan. The admonishment stung Taiwan all the more because Bush delivered it while hosting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in the Oval Office.

How about Bush's own words: In December, President Bush warned both sides against "any unilateral decision ... to change the status quo," which Taiwan took as a clear rebuke to Chen's referendum plan. The admonishment stung Taiwan all the more because Bush delivered it while hosting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in the Oval Office.

China's embassy in Washington increased the number of political officers in its Congressional Liaison Office to 26 earlier this year in a bid to more effectively influence members of Congress.

How many do they have now, and do they influence our Congressmen on defense/security matters?

I'M A CHINESE NATIONAL AND I VOTE!

The Chinese embassy is giving out these bumper stickers?

How can Chinese nationals vote in U.S. elections?

16 posted on 03/15/2004 1:59:28 AM PST by lentulusgracchus (Et praeterea caeterum censeo, delenda est Carthago. -- M. Porcius Cato)

18 posted on 03/15/2004 3:42:16 AM PST by Imal (The message from Spain is clear enough: terrorism works, and will therefore continue.)

And why not? Our entire govenment is up for grabs to the highest bidder. Americans vote and pay the bills, but we have no politicial power if we're conservative. Look at Orin Hatch sucking up to Kennedy in order to keep the conservative judicial nominees from being voted on. You think a man like that wouldn't give China his drawers if they asked for them. Congress is filled with Hatch wannabes.

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