China Policy

I appreciate Jim Mann’s “Clinton’s ‘Berlin Wall’ Theory on China Steeped in Paradoxes” (Feb. 12). Culturally, we must understand that any act of accommodation by the U.S. would be viewed by the Chinese Communist regime as signs of weakness, and would be used to strengthen the Communist stature domestically. Hence, Clinton’s “Berlin Wall” theory would not only not work, but help to support the regime both internally and internationally.

As an opposition party to the Communist regime in China, we do not oppose the U.S. policy of engagement, but the U.S. must engage with a proactive plan that will not only engage Beijing economically and politically, but most important, help liberalize Chinese society and its system by inducing changes. If opposition parties like ours can operate inside China without being harassed and threatened, then we have hope to change China’s Communist regime through peaceful and rational means.

An engagement policy with the sheer aim of trading and making money would only be laughed at and despised by the Chinese.

DAVID H. MA, Chairman

Organizing Committee

Chinese Rights Party

Monterey Park