Text: Statement on Arrest of Bible Distributor in China
(State Department briefing -- taken question on Li Guangqing)

Following is the text of a question regarding U.S. protests to China over the arrest of Hong Kong resident Li Guangqing for bringing bibles into China. The question was taken at the January 9 regular State Department briefing; an answer was posted later in the day:

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

January 9, 2002

QUESTION TAKEN AT JANUARY 9, 2002 DAILY PRESS BRIEFING

China - Arrested Hong Kong Businessman

Question: Have you heard back from the Chinese yet about your protests about the Bible distributor?

Answer: The United States has raised our serious concern about this case at various levels in both Washington and Beijing. Ambassador Randt met with Assistant Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong on January 8 in Beijing and again registered our strong concern about the arrest of Hong Kong resident Li Guangqing for bringing bibles into China. Embassy officers also met with Chinese officials and asked about Mr. Li during the course of the day January 8. The Chinese have asserted that the case is being handled according to Chinese law. We will continue to seek additional information and press our concerns.

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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