Questions for the Record Submitted to Ambassador - Designate Jon Huntsman by Senator Jim Webb (#8 and #9)

Senate Foreign Relations Committee
July 23, 2009

Question:

Tibet

Chinese persecution of the Tibetan people continues unabated. China continues to control Tibetan culture and religious practices.  The brutal crackdown on the March 2008 protests is just one example of the effort to eliminate the Tibetan way of life.

1) Do you believe the Tibet issue is an internal Chinese matter?

2) Can you assure me that, if confirmed, you will be an outspoken advocate for ending the persecution of the Tibetan people?  If so, how will you accomplish this?

Answer:

The United States recognizes Tibet as part of China. At the same time, we are very concerned about the violence that erupted in Tibetan areas in March 2008, and the subsequent increase in repressive policies in such areas.  We raise our concerns about these issues at the highest levels with the Chinese Government and continually press for progress. We urge China’s leaders to address the underlying political, economic, cultural, and religious concerns of its Tibetan citizens to build long-term stability in the region.

The United States has not been shy in seeking opportunities to raise candidly with China’s leaders our concerns about the poor human rights situation in Tibet. President Obama and Secretary Clinton have discussed Tibet issues with China’s most senior officials, and, if I am confirmed, I will do the same with my Chinese counterparts. We will also encourage the Tibetans to pursue dialogue with the Chinese and identify areas where substantive improvements to the lives of Tibetans can be achieved.

I see dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama’s representatives as essential for resolving longstanding tensions in Tibetan areas of China and for safeguarding the distinct ethnic, cultural, and religious identity of the Tibetan people. If I am confirmed, I will work to sustain our focus on promoting substantive dialogue, directed at achieving meaningful results.

Questions for the Record Submitted to Ambassador-Designate Jon Huntsman by Senator Richard Lugar (#11)

Senate Foreign Relations Committee
July 23, 2009

Question:

Human Rights

In April, 2008, in the midst of the Tibetan uprising and the subsequent crackdown by Chinese security forces, you stated your support for protests surrounding the Olympic Torch relay that highlighted China’s treatment of Tibetans, and were quoted as follows:

“Of course I do. This is who we are,” Huntsman who has represented the U.S. government in China, told the Deseret Morning News. “I think we ought to be totally American about it, in terms of our expressions of outrage and concern and speaking up front and openly as we always do as Americans.”

As Ambassador, will you continue to address issues with the Chinese government related to the mistreatment of Tibetans, and Uighurs, and advocates for the rights of those peoples to speak freely within the People’s Republic of China about their grievances?

Answer:

I look forward to robust engagement with China on human rights, and if confirmed, I will not be shy in seeking opportunities to raise candidly with China’s leaders U.S. concerns about the poor human rights situation for Tibetans and Uighur Muslims. In addition to expressing candidly our concerns regarding individual cases, it will be my objective to find new and constructive ways to support the peaceful efforts of Chinese citizens, including Tibetans and Uighurs, to strengthen civil society and the rule of law in their own country. I believe that much can be achieved through dynamic public diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and other programs designed to assist China to implement the rule of law, support the development of civil society, promote religious freedom, and improve policies to protect the unique languages, cultures and religions of China’s ethnic minorities.

With respect to the ethnic tensions that have erupted in Tibetan areas of China and in Xinjiang over the past year, one of my priorities, if confirmed, will be to encourage my Chinese counterparts to address the underlying political, economic, cultural, and religious concerns of Tibetans and Uighur Muslims to build long-term stability in these regions.