Political Scandal Between China and America

Political Scandal Between China and America
Hello, my name is Stone Fan. I am a dissident from China and now as the President election is upon us I would like the American people to listen to my story. As much as I love the United States and am indebted to it for giving me asylum, there are some serious problems in the present America.

My story begins in the early 1980s; I was a student in one of Shanghai’s universities. At that time, Chinese dissidents were involved in a campaign to change the oppressive political climate and living conditions. I was a part of this campaign. The campaign met with much resistance and repression from the Chinese government. Because of my involvement I was put on the Chinese police blacklist. Being on the police blacklist could cause me to lose everything，even my prospects and a future. I was determined to fight back. The problem was how could I? It is not easy to revolt against the government, especially a communist one.

In 1982, I went to the U.S. Consulate to ask about study abroad; this is where I met with American Cultural Consul David Hess. After meeting and talking with Hess, I was invited to his home on several occasions, along with my classmate Miss Cheng. Not long after this the police started following me and Miss Cheng. Why did it happen? There was no law in China forbidding civilians to visit foreigners. But, there was a secret policy in the government that forbade all contacts between civilians and foreigners even an ordinary talking. It is absolutely against the law. China needs law only but not any absurd police which detrimental to the law.

When we became aware of the police tabs on us, we informed Hess. Hess told us that if we were arrested the American government would try to rescue us. He also explained that he wanted to get information and evidence about any arrests to the American government. Several months later, in May 1983, Miss Cheng and I were arrested. Because of Hess’ promise that America would get involved and help us, we believed, without a shadow of doubt that the American government would come to our aid. We believed because if your friend invites you to his house as a guest and when you leave his house you are assaulted by his enemy, isn’t the friend responsible for any harm incurred?
I was quite excited about Hess’s words because I thought it would be meaningful and effective if the American government intervened in People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) justice cases with good reasons and cause. Having the American government intervene would effectively help improve the legal system and human rights situation in China and force the PRC government to rule the country in accordance with the law. Along with the benefits to the people of China it would be good for the world, including the Sino-US relations. During this time the PRC established diplomatic relations with United States three years ago, was still practicing some of the unscrupulous habits of the past. It did not recognize or understand the value of the international community.

Not long after our arrest, the American government kept their word and began to take great actions:
1. The American government managed to obtain the details of the case.
2. Four American newspapers released news about our situation and wrongful imprisonment.
3. The American government stated that they would cancel the president visit to PRC if the case was not solved.
4. After secret negotiations, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Jean Gol was commissioned to meet secretly with me in the prison.

We tried our best to cooperate, regardless of the life threatening risks. For instance, in prison Miss Cheng asked someone to take a message to the consulate and contacted the American reporter’s delegation. At one point, I put my wife at risk and asked her to call Hess and update him on our situation.

Although President Ronald Reagan was involved, Deng Xiaoping, the real ruler of China at the time, was still truculent and unreasonable. He insisted that they arrested us because we entered the American consulate without the permission of the authorities. He insisted the case was a home affair. He lied and deceived the United States because the so-called crime on our written judgment was: I gave away confidential documents to a foreign country under their instructions. Of course “a foreign country” means America. The court of Shanghai brought forth no proof against the defendants. This was to be expected because I never read or touched any confidential documents in my life. Although the American government made great effort, they had to quit at last for we were still PRC citizens. Even though there was no proof of our guilt, I received a 12-year sentence, and Miss Cheng received a 3-year sentence.

In 1994, I was finally released from prison. This ordeal was a tremendous hardship; I could have been killed at any time. My wife was forced to divorce me, and she had a serious illness with no money to see a doctor. I lost everything, no job, no family, even had to beg to eat. After getting things together, in 1995 I left Shanghai and went to Hong Kong. I stayed there two years and in 1997 I came to America. While in America, I spent ten years, 1997 to 2006, completing two books on the modern history of PRC, almost 1000 pages. The books contain the background and the process of the case. And, in 2004, I became a U.S. citizen.

There is one point I should emphasis about my case, the American government was regarded as a criminal defendant by the Shanghai court during the case. It was an insult and humiliation to our great country. I have no idea if this set a precedent in the American history, but I believe it is a very serious and terrible accusation. There should be no reason to cover up this political scandal. All Americans should be made aware of the events that took place.
I completely understand why the American government had to give up their rescuing efforts; it was more important to maintain a relationship between the Sino-US countries. We are very thankful to President Ronald Reagan for the effort he put forth on our behalf. I will never forget the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister as well as the president of the United Sates. I know that the American government worked hard for Miss Cheng and me.

It is my deepest desire and struggle to find a just conclusion to this matter. Since 1983 I have been trying to get an apology from the PRC. This would show that the Chinese dissidents were unjustly treated. I appealed to relevant departments of the PRC many times, but met with unreasonable rejections. It was very overwhelming and made me full of despair – there were no other resources to uncover. Finally, I turned to the American government again for help.

One of my reasons for seeking the American government’s help is that I am now an American citizen. America is the land of the free and provides justice for all. As such, the government should intercede on behalf of one of its citizens. My second reason for seeking our government’s help is that the Shanghai court accused me of giving away confidential documents to the American government. This directly involves the American government; America should be concerned about the findings in this case. It should also feel obligated to make a comment as to whether the accusations are true or false. The American government once showed great interest in this case, they should keep it; not just for me, but for the honor and faith of the American government.

Unfortunately, I am disappointed with the results I received in my quest for justice. Since I came to the United States more than a decade ago, I wrote to the president of the United States many times. I also visited many senators, representatives and government officials, as well as some reporters. No one seems to be interested in this case or wants to talk about it. A letter from an official of President Bush’s government said, “It appears, however, that your case is entirely a legal matter that does not bear directly on the USA Government, [‥.] We regret that we are unable to help you further in this matter.” This is not true; I have convincing proof that the American government had direct contact with the case.

I can understand if the American government wants to keep quiet about this case for national interest, but there are other parties involved, the government should at least help clear innocent people’s names and help those who are still being persecuted. I realize the American government wants to continue international good will and also keep their business relationship with PRC, but there are subtle ways to awaken the PRC’s conscience. The U.S. government could make the case a public issue again and ask the PRC to provide the evidence that led to the sentences. This may persuade the Chinese government to admit their mistakes and possibly correct injustices. These actions will not deteriorate the Sino-US relations, it will make them healthier.

I have evidence of America’s involvement in this case, but have kept it secret. I would give my life for proper national interests such as fighting with an invader. But, I will not be a part of an evil or aggressive pursuit. If the American government has good reasons for withholding their support on my behalf and on behalf of all Chinese dissidents, I will continue to keep the evidence from my case private.

The American government still seems concerned about the human rights situation, and the imprisonment of Chinese dissidents and human rights defenders in PRC. The American government releases the human rights situation report about PRC every year. President Bush even made a promise when he met the Chinese dissidents not long ago. He encouraged the dissidents by telling them that America is still concerned about the human rights situation, and the imprisonment of Chinese dissidents and human rights defenders in PRC. Why doesn’t President Bush include this case in his efforts to help the Chinese dissidents? Why doesn’t the American government say something about the humiliating accusations from the PRC court?

The PRC is now playing a more active and important role in world affairs. America should encourage PRC to govern in a just and humane way and in accordance with international laws. America should also criticize PRC’s inhumane and unjust acts and deeds. The United States needs to be a watch dog and should never keep silent about what PRC does against human rights. With PRC, if you give an inch, you may lose a mile.

My goal with this speech is to bring my cause to the American people and finally get justice. I am not only seeking to clear my name and Miss Cheng’s, it is even more important to ask the PRC government to make an apology to all and any Chinese people who were persecuted and even killed for seeking just and humane living conditions. I can not do it alone – I am asking for my country’s help. I welcome and would appreciate any comments, interviews and help.

Please contact with me. tiger_200811@hotmail.com