Chinese communists behind harassment of protesters, congressman says

Congressional-Executive Commission on China Chairman Christopher Smith on Tuesday provided details on the incident. The Republican congressman, who is from New Jersey, said that counter-protesters backed by the Chinese Communist Party attacked human rights protesters at a San Francisco trade summit last month. The protesters denounced Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s appearance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The counter-protesters used metal bars, pepper spray, and umbrellas to attack the people objecting to Xi’s visit, he said. Smith was joined by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and some of the protesters at a press conference.

What is the commission planning to do about it? Smith called on the San Francisco Police Department to investigate the incidents and prosecute perpetrators when necessary. Chinese officials have denied involvement in the incidents.

Dig deeper: Read Jill Nelson’s report in WORLD Magazine about how China fights for greater influence in Africa.