Hong Kong: Statement by the Chairs on the Imposition of National Security Legislation by the National People's Congress

(Washington, D.C.)—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, issued a statement on the imposition of national security legislation in Hong Kong by the National People's Congress.

“We stand with the people of Hong Kong and condemn the decision by the National People's Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to arbitrarily impose national security legislation and to reportedly introduce PRC security forces into Hong Kong to enforce the directive. These actions push Hong Kong's autonomy to the breaking point, violating the PRC government's obligations under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, an international treaty. The political turmoil in Hong Kong over the past year is the result of actions taken by the Hong Kong and PRC governments, including the unwillingness to address the legitimate petitions of the Hong Kong people and failures to stop excessive police violence against peaceful protesters. 

The United States and the People's Republic of China both have an interest in maintaining a free and open Hong Kong. We call on the PRC government to reverse its outrageous and unacceptable action and uphold its international obligations to protect Hong Kong's autonomy and the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people. Additionally, the Trump administration should use the authorities under the Hong Kong Human Rights & Democracy Act (P.L. 116–76) and lead a global coalition to protect both America’s interests and support Hong Kongers.  If the PRC government refuses to reverse its plans to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy, the U.S. must reassess its relationship with Hong Kong.”