U.S. Relations With China
The Times reports that the Bush Administration is easing its curbs on China (Part I, Sept. 4). Why? Not because the Chinese government has eased its curbs on the people of China. On the contrary, the arrests, prosecutions and death sentences have escalated since the massacre. Amnesty International has confirmed this. Yet we had been told that if stiffer sanctions were deemed necessary they would be imposed, depending on the actions of the Chinese government.
How can our government hypocritically demand free democratic elections in Nicaragua and Cuba? How can we support so-called “freedom fighters” in Central America, yet look the other way and carry on business as usual in China? Why? I suspect that it is because business interests are involved in the China decision. It seems that economic freedom is more important than political freedom, not only in China but in the United States as well.
We, who have a heritage and an obligation to defend democratic ideals and peaceful reform, seem to have caved in completely when forced to make a choice between our principles and our pocketbooks.
BARBARA G. RADER
Spring Valley
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
