"SARS in China: Implications for Media Control and the Economy"

Events in East Asia are critically important to the national security interests of the United States. With dangerous actions and rhetoric coming from North Korea, Sino-American relations have been propelled to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy. This has not always been the case over the past few years. We have come through some tenuous times. In April 2001, we found ourselves in a tense standoff with Beijing following the collision of the U.S. reconaissance aircraft, operating in international airspace, with a Chinese fighter, whose pilot’s actions were questionable. We came though that crisis, and other bumps in our relationship, mostly over comments relating to Taiwan, and received solid support from the Chinese following the September 11 attacks. And now, a world-wide public health crisis again puts China in the headlines and on the minds on people everywhere.

From the Congressional perspective, our relations following these terrorist attacks highlight ways in which the United States can positively advance relations with China. There are many areas upon which we can cooperate, specifically fighting international terrorism. We share many interest with the Chinese, and must continue to find ways to work together, especially on the critical issue of nonproliferation.

Recently, I returned from a congressional delegation trip to the region, accompanying the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Bill Frist, which included stops in Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing. The focus on the trip was how to deal with the criminal and outlaw regime in North Korea. The trip was very productive, particularly the delegation’s meetings with the Chinese. Of course, the most timely issue was the outbreak of, and government's reaction to, SARS.

This was the first time I had an opportunity to interact with the new head of state, President Hu Jintao. The President engaged on the SARS crisis. Our visit coincided with the sacking of both the Health Minister and Mayor of Beijing. I think this was a sign from the new President, a sign that maybe this government would be more open, and less furtive.

You know from the very early stages of this SARS outbreak, it reminded me very much of the initial Soviet reaction to the horrible accident at Chernobyl. At that time, the Soviet government blamed the western media for blowing the incident out of proportion, until of course the true magnitude of the event was known. Totalitarian regimes are prone to secrecy. It will be interesting to see if the Hu government is, over time, more open and what lasting influence President Jiang Zemin will continue to exercise. Already, the Chinese government has taken to defend its record on SARS treatment, something out of character for the Chinese.

Our delegation was also able to press President Hu, and other government officials about their involvement in the efforts to de-nuclearize North Korea, and urged them to play a more active role in the talks than simply that of "convener." Subsequently, they did engage in these talks in a helpful manner.

The Chinese, in my opinion, are the real "trump card" in these efforts. They supply the North Korean regime with most of their food and energy, and can exert more leverage over their longtime ally than any other nation. The Chinese have made clear that they oppose any "nuclearization" of the Korean peninsula, but are very much afraid of the problems a collapsed North Korean regime may give their country. In meetings with the Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. over the past few months, he reiterated China’s condemnation of the North Korean withdrawal from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Yet, I think the Chinese were surprised by the attitude taken by the North Koreans during these recent talks, were disappointed by the rebuke they received, and hopefully will ratchet up pressure on this regime, maybe even at the U.N. Security Council. Initially, China rejected the Security Council as a venue for handling the North Korean issue, but has been less dismissive of that option since the talks completed.

With respect to North Korea specifically, and the world more generally, the Chinese can play a critical role in the area of nonproliferation. The Security Council is an appropriate venue for the world’s declared nuclear powers to work together on a common response to this danger, but U.S. leadership will be needed. This is not simply a problem for the United States because it affects world security, particularly because of North Korea’s propensity to sell its weapons and related technologies the highest bidder. We cannot allow this, and cannot allow the North Koreans to develop a functioning nuclear arsenal. China can and should play a role significant in this, but we must be steadfast and all options must remain on the table. We must also construct a solution that is irreversible and verifiable, in close consultation with South Korea, Japan and Russia.

In conclusion, it is clear that China will remain a critical player in the security of Asia, and other areas in which the United States has vital interests affecting trade, national security, and the war on terrorism. China’s actions affect U.S. interests on the Korean peninsula, in Taiwan and in Afghanistan. As a result, the United States must pursue aggressive diplomatic efforts to gain China’s full cooperation in solving common threats to our security.

With respect to the SARS outbreak, we will be watching to see how much Hu presses for change. As this crisis unfolded, the Chinese government has moved to be increasingly responsive and almost accountable on SARS. This is a welcome development and could be a harbinger of more substantive and meaningful reform to come. Former President Jiang still holds significant power in this government, and was able to successfully maneuver at the Party conferences to get his key allies into government positions. Another important htmect of this whole matter is that the Chinese government has taken meaningful steps to provide some accountability for the handling of this disease, unlike previous Chinese governments. President Hu could try to use the SARS outbreak to make other changes. Only time will tell, but I think that early indications are that any changes at all will be slow and incremental.

In the mean time, it is my hope that our two governments continue to focus on common threats to our peace and security, and that the Congress continues to press China to reform and improve its egregious human rights record. It is in both of our nation's interests to do so.

Thank you very much.