Two pieces of legislation supporting human rights in Hong Kong have been approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. President Trump is expected to sign the measures.
When the United Kingdom gave control of Hong Kong to Beijing in 1997, it did so under the condition that for half a century, Hong Kong would essentially be self-ruling in domestic affairs. However, in 2014, Beijing asserted its authority over the territory. Recently, it sought to have Hong Kong residents tried in mainland courts in certain cases.
China’s deeply flawed human rights record, which includes complete rejection of free speech and political opposition and its use of concentration camps to imprison both ethnic minorities and dissidents has deeply frightened the people of Hong Kong.
Not unexpectedly, the Beijing regime has threatened to retaliate against the legislative moves with “strong countermeasures,” which presumably include a refusal to agree to a trade deal that restricts its unfair practices.
One of the two bills forbids the export to Hong Kong authorities of the types of equipment they have used to suppress demonstrators.
The more far-reaching of the two bills provides for a number of actions, which would:
- Require the Secretary of State to issue an annual certification of Hong Kong’s autonomy to justify special treatment afforded to Hong Kong by the U.S. Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992.
- Require the President to identify persons responsible for the abductions of Hong Kong booksellers and journalists and those complicit in suppressing basic freedoms in Hong Kong, including those complicit in the forced removal of individuals exercising internationally recognized rights to mainland China for detention or trial, and to freeze their U.S.-based assets and deny them entry to the United States.
- Require the President to issue a strategy to protect U.S. citizens and businesses from the implications of a revised Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, including by determining whether to revise the U.S.-Hong Kong extradition agreement and the State Department’s travel advisory for Hong Kong.
- Require the Secretary of Commerce to issue an annual report assessing whether the Government of Hong Kong is adequately enforcing both U.S. export regulations regarding sensitive dual-use items and U.S. and U.N. sanctions, particularly regarding Iran and North Korea.
- Make clear that visa applicants shall not be denied visas on the basis of the applicant’s arrest, detention or other adverse government action taken as a result of their participation in the nonviolent protest activities related to pro-democracy advocacy, human rights, or the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fl.) who introduced the measures, issued a release upon the bill’s introduction which noted:
“As over one million Hong Kongers take to the
streets protesting amendments to the territory’s extradition law, the U.S. must
send a strong message that we stand with those peacefully advocating for
freedom and the rule of law and against Beijing’s growing interference in Hong
Kong affairs…[this] places the U.S. firmly on the side of human rights and
democracy and against those who would erode the freedoms and autonomy
guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong, freedoms that have made the city a
prosperous global commercial hub governed by the rule of law.”
The legislation had broad bipartisan support.
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), who was the lead Democrat co-sponsor, stated
“… the world has witnessed the bravery of tens of thousands of pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong whose quest for autonomy and democracy has been beaten back with brutal force. Our bill sends a strong message that Congress and the people of the United States stand in solidarity with them. The United States cannot stand idly by as China tramples on the basic human and civil rights of the people of Hong Kong and spreads disinformation in an attempt to discredit and silence their voices. Our bill demonstrates the Congress’ work across party lines to ensure robust affirmation of Hong Kong’s autonomy and to make clear that there must be consequences those who seek to further undermine it.”
Photo: Discover Hong Kong