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Jones said the challenge now is how to hold China to promises made during the selection process, how to prevent abuses linked directly to the Olympics, and how to use the Games to press for human rights improvements over the next seven years.

The U.S. religious freedom commission urged President Bush to "join with the leaders of all other Olympic countries to press China to live up to the obligations it has undertaken to ensure, beginning now, that the Games take place in an atmosphere in which the religious freedom and human rights of participants, spectators, and Chinese citizens are honored and protected."

Copyright © 2001 Newsroom.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom statement depicts its deep disappointment with the Olympic decision.

Human Rights Watch answers questions concerning Beijing's selection and issued a press release challenging sponsors to make the games a force of change. The group's 2001 World Report on China said it "showed no signs of easing stringent curbs on basic freedoms."

The U.S. Department of State's Annual Report on International Religious Freedom for 2000 gives more background on religious freedom in China.

Freedom House gives an overview of rights in China,

China must uphold principles of the Olympic charter, says Amnesty International.

Media coverage of the announcement included: Business Day, BBCNews, The Observer, People's Daily, Sydney Morning Herald, CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

A day after the announcement,

Human Rights Watch condemned the Beijing conviction of a U.S. Academic for "espionage."

In response to the decision, an Economic Times editorial argues fun and games have always taken precedence over human rights.

Previous Christianity Today articles on China's religious freedom include:

House Approves Divisive U.S.-China Trade Pact | But will permanent normal trade relations status help human rights? (May 25, 2000)

China Should Improve on Religion to Gain Permanent Trade Status, Commission Says | Religious liberty in Sudan and Russia also criticized. (May 8, 2000)

How to Change China | Christian business leaders preach economic engagement to expedite reform. But others are leery (May 4, 2000).

Trading on Faith | Open trade with China will open ministry opportunities. But will human rights improve? Editorial. (July 10, 2000)

Freer Trade, Freer Faith? | Christians remain divided in the China trade debate.

China's Smack Down | 53 Christian professors, students, and church-planters detained. (Sept. 11, 2000)

House Approves Divisive U.S.-China Trade Pact | But will permanent normal trade relations status help human rights? (May 25, 2000)

A Tale of China's Two Churches | Eyewitness reports of repression and revival. (July 13, 1998)

How to Pressure China | The Christian's ultimate loyalty is a threat to any authoritarian regime. (July 14, 1997)

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July (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45