Durbin Calls On President Trump To Push For Release Of Chinese Political Prisoners During Meetings With President Xi Jinping This Week

Durbin Calls On President Trump To Push For Release Of Chinese Political Prisoners During Meetings With President Xi Jinping This Week

In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Ekpar Asat

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor advocating for the release of several Chinese political prisoners ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States this week. Specifically, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, who was reportedly imprisoned as retaliation for her family's public criticism of the Chinese government's treatment of Uyghurs; Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai; Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, who were imprisoned for serving as church leaders; and Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur entrepreneur.

Beginning his remarks, Durbin noted the tension between the U.S. and Chinese governments, but he spoke about the need for both nations' leaders to discuss the evolution of AI, nuclear proliferation, and global economic stability.

"The meeting between the leaders of our two countries is important and timely. Both nations have a great deal to discuss, including areas of shared concern and disagreement," Durbin began.

"Our nations have many areas of shared concern, including the dangers of AI, North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, climate change and energy supplies, global economic stability, and reduced tensions in and around the South Pacific," Durbin said. "We undoubtedly have points of continued disagreement on issues such as the future of Taiwan, Chinese harassment of allies, the war in Ukraine, economic espionage, and stemming fentanyl precursors from being exported by China, and of course, basic political freedoms and human rights."

In May, the Senate unanimously passed Durbin's bipartisan resolution calling for the release of several political prisoners in China, including Pastor Ezra Jin.

"Not long after [Durbin's resolution was passed], and with the assistance of President Trump, Pastor Ezra Jin was released after 266 days in a Chinese prison for the 'crime' of operating a church. I had the pleasure of hosting Pastor Jin and his daughter Grace, who was tireless in her effort to plead for her father's case. They came to the Capitol after his release for a moving discussion and meeting. The pastor reminded me that at least eight of his congregants remain imprisoned," Durbin said.

"I welcomed President Xi's release of Pastor Jin and call on him to similarly release these remaining congregants," Durbin continued.

Durbin concluded his remarks, again calling for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Epkar Asat.

"President Trump has a chance to secure the release of these detainees who have already suffered so much, and I hope he will similarly make this request of Xi during his visit. Such a move by Xi would be a most welcome gesture-particularly since there is no reason to fear these people who have done nothing but exercise peaceful freedom of religion and expression," Durbin said.

"And to those still detained-and their heartbroken families-I want to remind them that they are not forgotten," Durbin concluded his remarks.

Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-