The relationship between the United States and China may well be the most important bilateral relationship in the world. In recognition of that fact, the Center for American Progress is releasing a new report entitled, "Strategic Persistence: How the United States Can Help Improve Human Rights in China." The report provides both fundamental principles that should guide U.S. policymakers in their efforts to effect positive change in China's human rights practices and concrete recommendations to advance those efforts.
China remains responsible for profound violations of its people's civil and political rights. In its foreign policy, China has often backed repressive regimes around the world and watered down international sanctions against these regimes. None of this is in the United States' best interests. Given the high degree of economic interdependence between the United States and China, as well as China's growing military reach, ...