China and the Olympics: Implications for Human Rights and US-China Relations

John Kamm, Founder
The Dui Hua Foundation

China Business Committee

China is set to win the most gold medals, and the most medals overall, at next summer's Olympics. But is this enough to ensure a successful Olympics in the eyes of the world, and in the eyes of China's people and their leaders? The Chinese government assured the world that the Olympics would result in a more open China, a China with greater respect for human rights. Will that, in fact, be history's judgment on the Games of the XXIX Olympiad?

John Kamm was the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in 1990. That year, he testified three times to the Congress of the United States in favor of retaining China's Most Favored Nation (MFN) trading status. Kamm was the first person to testify in favor of maintaining the trade relationship, arguing that the worst thing the US could do to affect human rights in China would be to damage the trade relationship. Since 1990, Kamm has directed a campaign to secure better treatment including early release for individuals detained for their political and religious beliefs. His efforts have affected the lives of hundreds of detainees. To the surprise of many, during this period he has maintained good relations with the Chinese government.

Kamm was awarded the Department of Commerce's Best Global Practices Award by President Bill Clinton in 1997. In 1999, Kamm established The Dui Hua Foundation, and in late 2001 Kamm was awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Award in Human Rights by President George W. Bush. In 2004, Kamm was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, the first businessman to be given the so-called "genius award," and in 2005 Dui Hua was granted consultative status with the United Nations, the first independent human rights group focused on China to be granted this honor.