Letter from U.S. Senator Jim Bunning to a Falun Gong Practitioner

UNITED STATE SENATE
Washington, DC 20510
September 17, 2001

Dear Mr. XXX:

Thank you for sharing with me the plight of Falun Gong practitioners in China. It was good to hear from you.

I am aware of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese government. Throughout my time in Congress I have made no secret of my reservations about China. I opposed normalizing trade relations with China. I have spoken against China's oppressive record on human rights and religious freedom.

I will continue to be skeptical of China's words and actions until it demonstrates respect for its own citizens as well as other nations. And I will carefully consider the future of our relationship with China as proposals concerning that relationship come before the Senate.

I appreciated you sharing your thoughts with me.

Best personal regards,

JIM BUNNING
United States Senator