With Tuesday marking the 70th anniversary of the Communists taking control of China, two Republicans in the Florida delegation weighed in on that nation’s tyrannical regime.
Fresh from his trip to Hong Kong where he met with business and religious leaders and advocates for democracy, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., offered his thoughts on China’s government.
“On my trip to Hong Kong, I met with protestors who are fighting every day for their basic human rights. I heard terrible stories of police brutality, imprisonment and intimidation,” Scott said. “President Xi is a human rights violator and a Communist dictator set on world domination. But 70 years of China’s Communist oppression is too long. I’m glad the United States is finally standing up to China as they threaten the security of America and all freedom-loving nations across the globe. We stand with the brave men and women fighting in Hong Kong, and will always fight for freedom and democracy.”
U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., leads Republicans on the U.S. House Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee and he shared his thoughts as well.
“October 1 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China under the Communist Party,” Yoho said. “Over the past 70 years, China has grown from being known as the ‘sick man of Asia’ to the world’s second-largest economy – a feat that should be commended by others around the world. However, October 1 also marks the anniversary of the end of China’s ‘Century of Humiliation’ – a time that brought deep despair and disgrace to the Chinese people. I bring light to this, as to warn the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against repeating history.
“Under the leadership of the CCP, China’s overriding national goal has been righting the injustices of the century of humiliation by achieving ‘the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.’ However, the CCP has stopped at nothing to achieve this goal. Under the rule of Xi Jinping, China has become a norms-busting, human rights-violator and thief amongst the global community. China’s newfound wealth has bought a place at the height of global power, but the conduct of Xi Jinping and the CCP will ultimately bring China a new century of shame if they continue on this path,” Yoho continued.
“As the People’s Republic of China celebrates this anniversary, we must not forget the transgressions of the CCP around the world. At an extremely turbulent time, we are witnessing democracy beginning to erode in Hong Kong, threats against the autonomous nation of Taiwan and the imprisonment of China’s own Uyghur population in Xinjiang. I urge the CCP to use this day as a day of reflection and choose a new path forward – one where China abides by international rules and norms and operates with best interest of the Chinese people in mind, not the interests of the party,” Yoho said in conclusion.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
