Lawmakers criticize China on Internet, human rights policies

China has come under criticism for its human rights record from a commission of lawmakers and executive branch officials. The annual report from the Congressional-Executive Commission on China expresses deep concern about continued human rights abuses and stalled reforms in China. The report, released Friday, specifically criticized China's government for harassing Chinese citizens who asked the government to investigate the causes of a 2008 earthquake in Sichuan that killed tens of thousands. It also criticizes the government for discrediting the Dalai Lama and said repression increased in the Tibetan areas of China and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The report also singles out for criticism China's efforts to control the Internet; Chinese officials blocked access to domestic and foreign websites based on their religious and political content. And the report scolded the government for its requirement, which was later withdrawn, that all computers in China be sold with pre-installed censorship software. The report suggests that Congress and the administration get input from government agencies, non-government organizations and private companies on best practices and possible legislation that would ensure U.S. companies promote free expression in China. Nine senators and nine House members from both parties sit on the commission. Executive branch commission officials have not been filled by the Obama administration.