Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, an outspoken critic of China's human rights record, today offered her condolences to the people of China on the death of Deng Xiaoping. "Hopefully, Deng's death will allow for an open discussion of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Only that openness can help bring closure to the tragic events which caused the deaths and silencing of so many brave young people who spoke out peacefully for democratic freedoms. Deng will be remembered for many things. While he opened China's economy to the world he oversaw a renewed crackdown on political freedoms and basic human rights, which included the horrors of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Deng's philosophy was that economic reform does not have to lead to political reform, and he carefully ensured that his philosophy was carried out," Pelosi said.
Rep. Pelosi is cautiously watching developments in Beijing. "While the struggle to succeed Deng has been playing out over the course of his illness, his passing may move China into a new phase. I hope that the succession struggle can be brought to a peaceful conclusion and that the voices for democratic reform and basic freedom will be allowed to bloom."
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