The recent passing of the “Falun Gong Protection Act” by the U.S. House of Representatives marks a historic moment for Falun Gong adherents, as it represents the first official condemnation of the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong and organ harvesting crimes in the United States. This legislation calls for an immediate end to the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong and demands action against those involved in organ harvesting through sanctions such as asset freezes, travel bans, and criminal penalties. If passed by the Senate and signed by the president, this bill could have significant implications for China’s international relations and human rights practices on a global scale. The previous administrations have been cautious about their relationship with the CCP, following internal rules and largely avoiding Falun Gong issues. Unlike Christianity, Falun Gong was not well-known, and under former leader Jiang Zemin, the CCP conducted smear campaigns against Falun Gong internationally. This led to a gradual understanding of Falun Gong within the U.S. government.
Mr. Lin detailed the legislative journey of the “Falun Gong Protection Act,” initially introduced by Mr. Perry in the 117th Congress in 2021. The bill faced considerable debate within the Foreign Affairs Committee and lacked sufficient consensus, leading to it being shelved. However, in the current 118th Congress, Mr. Perry recognized the ongoing 25-year persecution of Falun Gong by the CCP and the lack of international legislation to hold the perpetrators accountable. This realization prompted him to redouble his efforts, resulting in the bill advancing beyond the committee stage and gaining bipartisan support in the House.
Mr. Lin emphasized that addressing the persecution of Falun Gong could strategically impact the CCP, highlighting the bill’s focus on alleged organ harvesting and the persecution of Falun Gong. He noted that the CCP has long deceived the international community about these activities, turning organ harvesting into a lucrative industry.
This bill represents a pivotal shift in U.S.-China relations, introducing punitive measures for human rights abuses by the CCP. Unlike previous reports that lacked enforceability, this bill aims to bring about actionable policy changes with significant implications for bilateral relations and global human rights.
There is growing international momentum for actions against the CCP, with past bills addressing human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong experiencing delays. Falun Gong’s unique position as a faith emerging from the majority Han Chinese population has made it less entangled in ethnic, regional, and historical complexities, leading to a shift in U.S.-China relations.
The U.S. State Department is actively compiling a sanctions list, supported by groups like the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong. The timing and implementation of these sanctions are crucial for their effectiveness. International response, particularly from medical associations, could play a pivotal role in addressing the CCP’s organ harvesting atrocities.
If medical associations worldwide see the U.S. passing this bill, they may cease publishing articles from China in organ transplant journals due to concerns about the legitimacy of organ sources. As the CCP’s organ harvesting atrocities are exposed, international punitive measures are likely to follow, reaching a critical juncture. Can you rephrase that?
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