Condemns China's suppression of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, urging international action to hold Beijing accountable and support the people of Hong Kong.
James Risch
Senator
ID
This resolution condemns China's actions in Hong Kong that undermine its autonomy, rule of law, and the freedoms of its citizens. It calls for the release of political prisoners, criticizes the erosion of Hong Kong's legal and business environment, and urges governments to hold China accountable through existing legislation and multilateral efforts. The resolution also expresses solidarity with the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms.
Resolution Condemns Beijing Over Hong Kong's Fading Democracy, Cites National Security Laws and Calls for Accountability
This resolution puts the spotlight squarely on Beijing, officially condemning its actions for dismantling Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law. It specifically calls out the impact of two key pieces of legislation: the 2020 National Security Law (NSL) imposed by Beijing and Hong Kong's own 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (often called the Article 23 law). The core message is that these laws have eroded the freedoms and autonomy promised to Hong Kong.
Cracks in the Foundation: Freedoms Under Pressure
The resolution paints a picture of diminishing rights, arguing that the commitments made in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and international standards like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) are being violated. It points to concrete examples: the arrest of nearly 300 individuals under these security laws, the controversial sentencing of the "Hong Kong 47" pro-democracy figures, and the ongoing prosecution of media owner Jimmy Lai, whose Apple Daily organization was seized. The document essentially argues that the legal framework is being used to silence dissent and punish political opposition, fundamentally changing the city's character from what was promised under the "one country, two systems" framework – the idea that Hong Kong would retain its own systems and high degree of autonomy after the 1997 handover.
Ripples Beyond the City: Global Implications
The concerns raised aren't just about Hong Kong itself. The resolution highlights accusations of "transnational repression," claiming China and Hong Kong authorities use these laws to target activists even outside Hong Kong, citing cash bounties offered for individuals living abroad. It also touches on economic implications, noting Hong Kong's alleged role in helping countries like Russia evade sanctions and suggesting the city's reputation as a reliable international business hub is suffering due to the weakening legal environment. This leads to a practical suggestion: that international bodies should reconsider treating Hong Kong's vote as separate from mainland China's.
The Call for Consequences
Beyond condemnation, the resolution urges action. It calls on governments worldwide that value democracy to hold both the Chinese Communist Party and the Hong Kong government accountable. It specifically pushes the Hong Kong government to drop charges and release those detained under the security laws, including Jimmy Lai. For the U.S. government, the resolution encourages using all available measures, explicitly referencing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019. This existing U.S. law provides tools like annual reviews of Hong Kong's autonomy and allows for sanctions against officials deemed responsible for undermining freedoms in the city.