US lawmakers pressure China on Darfur violence

May 16, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday introduced a resolution that would call on China to use its economic leverage with Sudan to stop violence in the Darfur region.

The measure, sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans, calls on China to press Sudan to allow the entry of a U.N. peacekeeping force and to disarm militias operating in Darfur.

The U.S. accuses the African nation of complicity in genocide, and rights activists say isolating the Sudanese leadership is the only way to stop militias blamed for mass killings and rapes.

Chinese officials say their country’s robust oil trade and growing economic ties with Sudan will help end the violence.

Since 2003, African tribal rebels have been targeted by militias that observers say are supported by the government. At least 200,000 people have died and 2.5 million have become refugees.

According to the proposed U.S. resolution, China “has long-standing economic and military ties with Sudan and continues to strengthen these ties in spite of the ongoing genocide in Darfur.”

China buys two-thirds of Sudan’s oil exports and is building a pipeline and supertanker installation in Sudan, among other projects.

(AP)