PRESS RELEASE: New U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Report Rightly Recognizes Deteriorating Conditions in Hong Kong
17 November 2022 – The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) released its 2022 Annual Report to Congress. The report acknowledged that “Hong Kong has become increasingly isolated and further subordinated under Beijing’s control” and stated further that “stronger mainland influence over Hong Kong is driving key changes to all aspects of life in the territory.” The report also noted that freedom has diminished substantially and points to the continued imprisonment of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai and the targeting of Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen as indicators of the severity of Hong Kong’s decline.
In addition to documenting important trends in Hong Kong, the report made several pertinent recommendations for next steps the U.S. government can take to respond to declining conditions in the territory, including:
Eliminating diplomatic privileges conferred ON the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETO) until Hong Kong is deemed sufficiently autonomous from China or if the HKETO is considered an official part of the People’s Republic of China’s mission to the U.S.
Extending Deferred Enforced Departure beyond its original February 2023 deadline so that Hong Kongers can continue to remain safely in the U.S.
Requesting additional information about websites blocked by Hong Kong authorities that restrict access to information.
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation’s Washington Director, Olivia Enos, said: “The U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission report highlights that there are still many actions that can and must be taken to respond to deteriorations in Hong Kong’s freedoms. The report serves as a critical reminder to policymakers that even after the decertification of Hong Kong’s special status in 2020, there are still things the U.S. can do to reduce the suffering of the Hong Kong people and hold Beijing accountable for its continued violations of its international treaty obligations and the promises it made to the people of Hong Kong."
About the CFHK Foundation The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world. For more information, please contact: media@thecfhk.org www.thecfhk.org @thecfhk