Marco Rubio Stands Up for Chinese Activist Chen Guangcheng

From his perch on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., whose name continues to garner buzz about ending up as Mitt Romneys running mate, went to bat for Chen Guangcheng, the Chinese activist who opposed that nations one child policy. In April, Guangcheng escaped house arrest and reportedly made his way to the U.S. embassy.

The United States has always been a refuge for oppressed people around the world, and Chen Guangchengs case is an opportunity to remain true to this proud quality, Rubio said. When repressive governments abuse human rights, we have a responsibility to condemn them. When the repressed turn to us for refuge, we have an obligation to offer Americas protection.

While China has made great economic strides, it remains a repressive government, continued Rubio. Chen Guangcheng has heroically endured brutality for opposing Chinas one child policy. He wants nothing more than to live peacefully in China with his family, and the U.S. should strongly urge our Chinese counterparts to cease its brutal treatment of this man and his family.