Hong Kong: Statement by CECC Commissioners on Recent Arrests

August 10, 2020

(Washington)—Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the Chair and Cochair, respectively, of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) were joined by CECC colleagues Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK) and Todd Young (R-IN) and Representatives Christopher Smith (R-NJ), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Brian Mast (R-FL), and Ben McAdams (D-UT) on a statement about the recent arrests in Hong Kong of Jimmy Lai, Agnes Chow and other pro-democracy advocates.  

"Hong Kong’s vague National Security Law is being used to justify human rights abuses, silence anyone critical of Beijing’s policies, and repress democratic voices. The U.S. government should continue to strongly oppose the actions of the Chinese government and other entities complicit in the dismantling of Hong Kong’s autonomy by making full use of all the tools provided by Congress while coordinating closely with our allies and partners.

The arrests of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Agnes Chow Ting, and other pro-democracy activists, along with the raid of Apple Daily Hong Kong are serious violations of human rights. U.S. allies and partners should follow with their own sanctions and condemnations. The United Nations must follow suit and act as well. We endorse the call of over 50 UN experts for the creation of Special Rapporteurs for Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. We urge the UN Secretary General to schedule an urgent meeting at the Security Council on the use of the National Security Law to condone abuses, in violation of international law.

As the heavy hand of repression descends on Hong Kong, Members of Congress will continue to shine a bright light on officials undermining the rule of law who are complicit in human rights abuses.”