Chinese Authorities Block Dissidents From Meeting American Lawmakers

Authorities in Beijing blocked several Chinese dissident lawyers from meeting a pair of visiting U.S. congressmen. As Stephanie Ho reports, the congressmen presented a list of more than 700 Chinese political prisoners on whom they want information. Congressman Chris Smith is the ranking (Republican) member of the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which was set up in 2000, after then-President Bill Clinton permanently renewed Most Favored Nation trade status for China. Smith is an outspoken critic of China, what he had to say to reporters in Beijing, Tuesday, was no surprise. "Tragically, the Olympics has triggered a massive crackdown designed to silence and put beyond reach all those whose views differ from the official 'harmonious' government line," he said. As an example, Smith said Chinese authorities... [read full story]