Middle Eastern war at one point. A crackdown on the China Democracy Party. They were well known and their trials drew protests. His wife attended the trial and said the judge cut off her husband's presentation in court. The arrests come six months after President Clinton visited China and in a joint press conference with President Jiang Zemin called for the freeing of some political prisoners.
China says it supports human rights.
President Jiang repeated China's often-stated position of respect for human rights. The Chinese nation always respects and maintains the dignity and the rights of the people. Today the Chinese government solemnly commits itself to the promotion and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. But at the same time more than 30 people have been jailed for trying to start the Democracy Party. And President Jiang Zemin made it clear in two speeches this month that his tolerance for dissent has limits.