Commissioner Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, joined several U.S. Representatives at a hearing focused on cultural preservation and historical memory in China. The event was attended by Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Zack Nunn (R-IA), and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA). Representative Wexton was praised for her work on human rights in China as she prepares to retire from Congress.
Representative Smith emphasized the importance of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China's (CECC) efforts to protect individuals from the Chinese Communist Party's influence and preserve cultural memories. He stated that the CECC's mission is "to preserve memory—the memory of the Chinese people writ large, undistorted by the propaganda narratives of the CCP."
Senator Merkley highlighted ongoing efforts to support cultural preservation among various ethnic groups in China. He mentioned his Southern Mongolian Human Rights Policy Act, which encourages institutions like the Smithsonian to assist Southern Mongolians, Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Hong Kongers in preserving their heritage.
Rowena He from the University of Texas shared her experiences following the Tiananmen Massacre. She expressed hope for historical truth through movements like the White Paper Movement, stating that "history will witness the Tiananmen spirit and now the Hong Kong spirit as the power of the powerless."
Julian Ku from Hofstra University discussed how China uses "lawfare" tactics in international legal systems. He suggested that Congress could enact laws similar to the SPEECH Act to protect against foreign defamation judgments not aligned with U.S. free speech standards.
Rishat Abbas, President of Uyghur Academy International, spoke about efforts to preserve Uyghur culture amid assimilation policies by China. His organization collaborates with U.S. agencies to ensure future generations maintain their language and culture.
Geshe Lobsang Monlam described challenges faced by Tibetans in preserving their linguistic heritage. He has developed resources like The Grand Tibetan Dictionary to support both traditional scholars and wider communities.
Temulun Togochog, a young Southern Mongolian activist, urged Congress to pass Senator Merkley's legislation supporting Southern Mongolian rights. She appealed for action against systematic oppression so she might return home with her family.
The CECC's hearing webpage provides access to statements by commissioners and witnesses along with policy recommendations related to combating historical revisionism by China.
