Abstracts » Business, international

Dissent at your peril

Article Abstract:

The arrest of student leader Shen Tong, who returned to China following the government's invitation to dissident students, has proved that China continues to follow a repressive policy towards dissidents. Actions like light prison sentences to Zhao Ziyang's confidants, and release of photographs of dissident prisoners are just publicity ploys to reassure the West on the human-rights front. Asia Watch and family members of political prisoners report that dissidents receive no medical treatment in prison and that their family members are harassed by government officials.

Reports, Human rights, Shen Tong, Asia Watch

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The trouble with Harry

Article Abstract:

China's arrest of Shanghai-born US citizen Harry Wong on espionage charges has escalated the already increased tension between the two countries. China may have sought to put pressure on Washington to allow a visit from President Jiang Zemin, as well as to put Wu on ice, as his consistent revelations of Chinese human-rights violations have become embarrassing. Wu has many friends in the US Congress, however, and his detention has united the administration and the legislature, with some calling for diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.

United States, Chinese foreign relations, United States foreign relations, Wu, Harry

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Trampled underfoot: dissidents caught up in Sino-U.S. clash

Article Abstract:

China's harsh crackdown on human-rights activists and other dissidents reflects internal maneuvering for the post-Deng Xiaoping succession and anger over recent Taiwanese diplomatic coups. Few in China have heard of the dissidents, so their arrest has few internal repercussions, but it placates military power-brokers and helps to split overseas opinion. In the US, for example, conservative political elements oppose China's communist leadership but favor increased international trade, an area where China is growing.

International relations

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