Evidence of meeting #53 for Subcommittee on International Human Rights in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was korean.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Excellency Dr. Robert R. King  Ambassador, Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, United States Department of State

2 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Scott Reid

Is there any evidence that trying to have an influence on China has borne any fruit? Can you point to any success that we've ever had in that regard?

2 p.m.

Dr. Robert R. King

With human rights, we're looking at the long term. I think we've made progress with China. Today China's involvement in the international community is much more positive than it was 10 or 20 years ago. With all of these things, it's an ongoing struggle. We need to continue that effort.

Yes, I think there's been progress in China. I think as we continue to press the Chinese on North Korea, there will be progress there as well. I don't think the Chinese have a great deal of influence with North Koreans, though they have more influence than we do, but I think we need to continue to urge the Chinese and the North Koreans to make progress.

2 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Scott Reid

Thank you very much, Ambassador. We are very appreciative of your time and of the quality of what you presented to us. I think this will be very useful to us.

With that, I would ask the members of the committee to rest. I want to discuss Monday's meeting and potential changes. I think we should do that in camera, so let's dismiss our witness with our thanks and suspend to go in camera. We should be done within two or three minutes.

2 p.m.

Dr. Robert R. King

Thank you very much. I appreciate the opportunity to be here.

[Proceedings continue in camera]