U.S. Rep. Pascrell traveled to China to meet with Chinese President, 
Chinese government officials to urge for Mr. Fong's release

 Mr. Fong rejoins his family at Newark Airport

NEWARK - {est Orange, New Jersey resident Fuming Fong returned home to his family today after spending over three years in a Chinese prison.  Mr. Fong was imprisoned by the Chinese government on February 28, 2000.  After meeting with the Fong family in August of 2001, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 8th) relentlessly pursued the release of Mr. Fong, even traveling to China in January of this year to meet with then President Jiang Zemin, members of the National People's Congress, and with Ministry officials to urge for his release.

Mr. Fong was incarcerated in the People's Republic of China since February 28, 2000.  Convicted on March 21, 2002 for "illegally obtaining state secrets" and "bribery," he was sentenced to five years imprisonment after a lengthy 25-months and very problematic prosecution by the Chinese authorities.  During Mr. Fuming Fong's incarceration and trial, the Chinese authorities repeatedly committed flagrant violations of key provisions prescribed in Chinese Criminal Procedural Law, including holding Mr. Fong for 18 months without trial or issuing a formal charge.  All told, Mr. Fong has served over three and a half years.

Rep. Pascrell worked with the U.S. State Department, most notably Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly, to negotiate with the Chinese Government. "We worked very closely with the State Department over two years," said Pascrell. "We worked very closely with the American Embassy in Beijing and we worked very closely with the Chinese Embassy in Washington. After far too long, our pleadings were finally heard."

During the two years of diplomatic measures, an avalanche of letter to Chinese officials, meetings with Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Yang Jiechi in Washington and a meeting with the Chinese President, Pascrell began to get frustrated, "We were trying to do it the right way, but I was ready to go and picket the Chinese Embassy," Pascrell noted. "I made my commitment to Mrs. Fong two years ago that I wouldn't rest until this was done. Once I grab onto a leg, I don't give up."

The Fong family and Pascrell remained in constant contact throughout the endeavor.  Mr. Fong and Pascrell remained in contact through written correspondence.  While in Beijing, Pascrell attempted to see Mr. Fong but was disappointed when his efforts were rebuffed.

Fuming Fong is an electrical engineer who serves as an electric-power consultant.

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